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By Correspondent in Minna
Christians in Niger state on Wednesday, embarked on a three-day prayer for God to bring an end to the activities of armed bandits causing killings, kidnapping, rape and destruction of properties worth millions of naira and rendering thousands homeless.
The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state chapter, Rev. (Dr.) Matthias Echioda, who disclosed this in an interview, explained that the special intercessory prayers was also for God to have compassion and protect Nigerlites from siege by armed bandits.
“Christians from across the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger state will be calling upon God concerning the precarious situation we find ourselves, we want to call on God to intervene by bringing the activities of these agents of darkness to an end,”he said.
He expressed optimism that God in His infinity mercy would turn the heart of the armed bandits and end further bloodletting.
According to him, the “Prayer has become necessary, especially now that the Governor has come out publicly to say that the federal government is not saying anything about the siege on the state.”
Rev. Echioda further explained that the the religious exercise would be observed in Minna for members within Minna, the state capital comprising; Chanchaga and Bosso Local Government Areas while similar prayers will be held across the remaining 23 LGA headquarters.
Meanwhile, Governor Abubarkar Sani Bello of Niger state has appealed to communities affected by the armed bandits to remain fervent in prayers, assuring them that “all hope is not lost for the federal government’s intervention to liberate the state from invaders.”
The Governor made the appeal during similar special prayer session for Moslems which took place at the Minna Central Mosque and across designated Mosques in the three senatorial zones, for Allah’s intervention to bring an end to killings and kidnapping across Nigeria.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mary Noel-Berje, in a statement quoted the Governor as saying, “I am calling on the people to be calm. In the last 48 hours, we have received support with regards to security agents from the Federal Government.
“Security agencies are mobilizing themselves. I am very confident with the zeal I can see from them. I believe everyone will soon go back to their homes and farms”.
Among top government functionaries that attended the special prayer session, led by the Chief Imam of Minna Central Mosque, Mallam Ibrahim Isah Fari include; the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane and the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruq Bahago.
