Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, a Muslim pilgrim from Temeshi village in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, led fellow pilgrims in prayer to seek divine intervention and protection from kidnapping and banditry in their area.
After prayers, held at the Holy Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Abdullahi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the prayer was to seek Allah’s mercy toward addressing the menace bedevilling the area.
He said that due to security concerns, the people had relocated from Sabuwa Local Government Area in Katsina, where he paid for the Hajj exercise.
Abdullahi shared a personal tragedy, having lost five children to kidnappers, for whom he said he paid N15 million ransom.
He also stated that his brother’s wife was kidnapped, and a N12-million ransom was paid for her release.
He added that “we will continue to pray for peace, progress, stability and divine intervention to tackle insecurity in Katsina State, Nigeria and the world in general.”
Abdullahi highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on Birnin Gwari’s socio-economic and political activities, with kidnappers raiding several villages.
He said the pilgrims have entrusted their situation to God, remaining hopeful that He would bring a solution to their problems.
He added that “we have also prayed for security personnel and leaders, seeking divine assistance to address insecurity and allow farmers to safely return to their farms.
“We will utilise the entire Hajj pilgrimage to fervently pray to Allah to bring an end to all forms of insecurity and to guide our leaders at all levels.
“We seek Allah’s mercy to grant our nation peace, progress and enduring political stability.”(NAN)