Let’s pray hard against terrorism – Abatemi-Usman

The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman has called on all Muslim brothers and sisters in the country to use this season of Ramadan to pray intensely against the act of terrorism in Nigeria.

Abatemi-Usman made the call in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Michael Jegede, to congratulate the Muslim faithful all over the world on the commencement of this year's Holy Month of Ramadan.

His words: 'I congratulate my fellow brothers and sisters of Islam on the commencement of the Holy Month of Ramadan. I have the strong conviction that God's mercy shall be upon every one of us during this special moment of fasting and prayer. I want to urge us to use this period to pray hard against terrorism and and for the release of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls that have been held captive for over two months now. We have lost too many innocent citizens to the deadly activities of the dreaded group called Boko Haram. Over 10, 000 people have reportedly died since 2009 due to the Boko Haram menace.

Nigerians can no longer sleep with their eyes closed because of the heightened level of insecurity in the country. How long will this continue? We need to pray to God to come to our aid.'

The Senator also appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect to have a rethink in this Month of Ramadan and embrace peace, stressing the need for them to have value for the sanctity of human life.

He said: 'What do you gain from the wanton killing of guiltless citizens while they go about struggling to see that they keep body and soul together? There is no religious teaching in the world that supports the ruthless killing of human beings for whatever reasons.

There is therefore the need for the Boko Haram members to have a change of heart in this Holy Month of Ramadan by sheathing their swords and allowing peace to be the order of the day. Whatever grievances they have (if at all they have any), they should know that dialogue remains the only best option for any kind of conflict resolution.'

SIGNED: MICHAEL JEGEDE
MEDIA AIDE TO SENATOR NURUDEEN ABATEMI-USMAN VICE CHAIRMAN SENATE COMMITTEE ON NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS