By Correspondent in Minna
The former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has pleaded with members of Boko Haram and criminals elements in the country to have the fear of Allah, repent of their evil activities for peace and stability to reign supreme.
Abubarkar made the appeal when he spoke with journalists shortly after observing the 2 rakaats prayers alongside other muslim faithful during the Eid el Kabir held at the Eid praying ground in Minna, Niger state capital.
While praying that Allah touches the heart of criminals who derived joy in snuffing life out of fellow human beings for whatsoever reasons, the former President urged them to,in their own interest and for the nation’s sake,denounce banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and all forms of criminal activities.
Abdulsalami, who congratulated Muslim ummah in Nigeria and world over for witnessing this year’s celebration however enjoined adherents of islamic faith to be exemplary by exhibiting peaceful and orderly manner as well assist one another.
Also in his remark, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state emphasised the need for Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic and religious differences,to pray fervently for security agencies for God to grant them wisdom in tackling prevalent security challenges confronting the nation.
The Governor, who appealed to Nigerllites to support efforts being made at stamping out terrorists by providing useful information to security agencies, expressed confidence that Niger state and Nigeria would overcome the current security challenges.
Former Governor of the state, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who was also present for the 3 rakat prayers, enjoined Nigerians,irrespective of religious or tribal inclinations to support the government and security agencies to achieve maximum results of ending insecurity.
Babangida Aliyu, however, implored leaders in all three tiers of government to live up to constitutional responsibilities of coming up with deliberate policies toward reducing to the barest minimum, the current economic hardship taking its toll mostlyon ordinary Nigerians.
The Chief Imam of Minna Central mosque, Malam Ibrahim Isa Fari, who led the two eid prayers proceeded with slaughtering of his ram that paved the way for other Muslim faithful to follow suit.
