From Maryam Ahmadu-Suka, Kaduna
The Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has raised concerns that attention seems to be more on the 2027 general elections than addressing the nagging security challenge.
The Sultan in a statement signed by the Secretary General, JNI, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu called on the government to rescue all kidnapped citizens from kidnappers’ dens spread across the country saying, “The gory videos and pictures we often see these days are dehumanising, to say the least.”
Similarly, he reiterated the call to Muslims “to intensify prayers for the country, by requesting Allah’s special intervention against the tide of insecurity in whatever disguises; economic recession, poverty and hunger bedevilling Nigeria, as well as stable country especially that the 2027 is fast approaching and attention seems to be more on it, than addressing the nagging security challenge.”
More so, he noted that insecurity seems to be escalating on the Nigerian shore, most especially during this year’s Ramadan period. “Many Muslim families are on daily bases faced with the brutal cum senseless killings, particularly in some parts of the North-West, North-East (Alkaleri).”
“Bauchi state and particularly the rising killings by ISWAP in Borno State, leading to the death of civilians, security personnel and military officers), South-South (Rivers state at the commencement of this year’s Ramadan), North-Central (Kwara, Niger and Plateau states are worst heat), which without doubt are existential threats to our cooperate existence.
“Government needed to act swiftly, before things get out of hand, in the name of self-defence, please. It should be noted that Nigerian citizens are already agitated leading to scores of spontaneous protests demanding for concrete action from government over security related matters.
“Suffice to mention the Jobele end of Ibadan/Oyo express way in Afijio local government area of Oyo state protest, leading to gridlock on the highway and serious commotion. It reportedly occurre yesterday, Tuesday, 10 March, 2026.
“The Ekpoma, Edo state and the Akure-Owo, Ondo state protests were all demanding an end to kidnapping and banditry, the fear is that if nothing is seen and felt done reprisals and self-defence is likely to become the order of the day, which is not good for the fragile peace we now enjoy in Nigeria. Therefore, Government must act and act now, please.”
He however called on Nigerian Muslims to maximally put to use the last days of Ramadan, by reciting more of the Glorious Qur’an and seek Allah’s apt intervention against all forms of insecurities.
“We must use the increased recitation of the Qur’an not only in understanding it better, but in living in accordance to its tenets and guidance, which invariably facilitate the obtainment of Taqwa being the cardinal objective of the institutionalisation of fasting,” he added
While wishing all Muslim faithful Allah’s pardon in these sacred days and beyond, he further urged all Muslims never to return to abominable acts, after the month of Ramadan, for the Lord of Ramadan is the Lord of all other months.
“As we have always stated during similar past periods, Muslims are urged to intensify prayers for self and the nation at large for an overturn of the too many challenges affecting Nigeria, as well as extend kindness in alms giving to the poor, the needy, the orphans and the handicapped in the society especially that many families are living beyond the poverty line in Nigeria.
“We are equally reminded of the Zakatul Fitr (Ordained Food and/or Alms Giving at the end of Ramadan Fasting), which is supposed to be given to the needy in the last three days of Ramadan or in the early hours of ‘Eid-el-Fitr day, before the commencement of the Eid prayer,” the statement concluded.
