Insecurity: Mammoth crowd as Muslims go spiritual in Ilorin

By Ahmed Ajikobi

Muslims in Ilorin, Kwara State on Saturday deployed spiritual ammunition to combat insecurity in Nigeria and the world at large.

Muslims in their numbers converged at the Eid praying ground at the behest of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, to supplicate to God on the insecurity ravaging the world.

The event featured recitation from  Holy Qur’an.

Speaking on the essence of the programme, the Chief Missioner of Council of Muslims Organization, Imam Yusuf Murtada Olopoewa , said the prayer became necessary as  insecurity in  Nigeria and the whole world calls for concern.

He said the situation should not be blamed on anyone but people should take responsibility by interceding through prayers.

“We must agree that we are all sinners and we need to go back to Allah for forgiveness. All what we are experiencing has happened to other countries of which they later ran to Allah for forgiveness, mercy and blessings. That is why we are doing the same thing.”

Olopoewa noted that the prayer points included end to kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, insurgency and health challenges among others.

“Last year no one could go for hajj because of Coronavirus. The prayer had been proposed several times, but this  time God has made it possible.

“We informed Emir of Ilorin, Dr Sulu Gambari about the programme and he fully supported us,” he said.

The Cleric advised government to do the needful for security agencies  in the country  to do their work well and provide employment and empowerment for the youth.

He pointed out that the gathering was devoid of political undertone.

“The prayer was organized by Council of Muslims Organization and IEDPU. We contributed money for this event and The Emir of Ilorin contributed hugely to name it a reality.

“Nobody outside the Muslim organisation sponsored the event. Not PDP, APC or any politician sponsored the programme as rumoured.”

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Council of Islamic …., Justice Idris Haroon (retd)  said the prayer was timely,  adding that the kind of insecurity being faced in the country is novel and called for special prayer.

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq in his address,  commended the Council of Muslim Organisations for convening  the prayer, adding that it is timely and necessary.

“First, it is a reflection of our humble admittance, as a people of faith, that God is in control of our affairs. Second, it is our admission of being weaker beings who will always require God’s interventions when things get tough.”

Among the Muslim groups present at the programme are Council of Islamic Youth Scholars led by the Amir of the group, Imam Oja-Tuntun, Shaikh Abdulfatai Imam, Al- Mutaqeen Islamic Foundation, Daru-li-fuhum-Al-Arabiya wali islamiya.

Among the personalities in attendance are Seriki Gobiri, Alh. Ahmed Gobir, Imam Ansarudeen, Sefiu Shegbagba, National President, IEDPU, Alh. Usman Otta and  Chief Imam of TESCOM, Shaikh Yasin, among others.