Mallam Aminu Lawan, chief imam of Umuahia Central Mosque, has used the occasion of the 2022 Eid-El-Kabir celebration to appeal to gunmen across the country to stop what he termed rampant kidnappings and allow Nigerians – Abians in particular – to have a breathing space.
The cleric admonished Abians and Nigerians to always show love to one another as well as live in peace as “we don’t have any other country we can call ours.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Abia State chapter, Alhaji Suleiman Ukandu, noted that there was the need for peace to reign through justice.
“Let there be justice and understanding for the development and enhancement of the human race,” Ukandu said. “Protection of lives and property and the welfare of the citizens should be taken serious.”
He thanked God for seeing him through to this Sallah.
“It is not easy to witness another Sallah. I am grateful to God for this.”
The Sarkin Hausawa of Abia State, Yaro Danladi, spoke to newsmen later, calling for all to embrace peace “irrespective of tradition, religion or tribe.”
He pleaded with the Federal Government to stop banditry and kidnapping “as all those being kidnapped are human beings.”
The Sarkin thanked the state government for the tolerance and support it has always given to the Muslim community in the state.
The festivities included the reversion to Islam by marriage by one Miss Queen Mba, now Hasya Mba, and the slaughtering of a ram to reflect the obedience of Ibrahim to God and sacrifice.
