News Investigators/ Over 1,000 women, traditional rulers, district heads, Islamic scholars and Imams on Saturday gathered at the Wadata Emir Palace, Bida, for a special prayer session for Gov. Umaru Bago, peace and unity for Niger and Nigeria.
Hadiza Abdullahi-Maikano, Press Secretary to the Wife of Niger Governor and Zainab Usman-Halilu, Media Coordinator to the Governor, said the gathering was convened to seek Allah’s mercy, guidance and divine intervention for the state and the country.
They said the prayer session was also aimed at seeking divine guidance for Bago and praying for wisdom, strength and protection as he continues to administer the state.
They said the initiative was supported by Hamidu Ma’azu-Jantabo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Saidu Abdul, Alhaji Mustafa Abubakar, Chairman of New Niger, Hajiya Maimuna Muhammad among others.
The organisers said the gathering attracted a large representation of the Bida community, including district heads, traditional rulers, women, Imams and Islamic scholars from across Bida.
According to them, the prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Bida alongside other Islamic scholars.
They said a major focus of the prayer was the repose of the souls of the 37 persons who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
They said prayers were offered for the deceased and their families, while seeking Allah’s intervention and guidance in addressing the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The organisers added that special prayers were also offered for Bago, asking Allah to grant him wisdom, strength and divine guidance in steering the affairs of Niger.
They said the gathering equally sought divine intervention for peace, unity, stability and prosperity in Niger and Nigeria.
According to them, prayer remains a powerful means of seeking divine intervention, particularly during periods of grief, uncertainty and concern.
They urged the people of Niger to continue to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence among communities and religious groups.
They expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, supporters and other participants for responding to the call and joining the special prayer session.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prayer session ended with prayers for the families of the deceased, the people of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.
NAN