Bago Urges Religious Leaders to Preach Peace, Stay Out of Politics

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has urged religious leaders to sustain their advocacy for peace and tolerance, stressing the need to promote unity and discourage social ills across the country.

Bago made the appeal on Wednesday, September 23, when he received members of the Niger State Imams Forum and other Islamic organisations who visited the Government House in Minna to commiserate with him and the people of the state over the deaths of 37 artisanal miners.

The governor thanked the delegation for the condolence visit and urged religious leaders, whom he described as trusted men of God, to continue preaching peace and fostering unity among Nigerians.

He also advised them to steer clear of partisan politics and concentrate on their role as advocates of peace, while using their influence to help curb societal ills.

Bago further appealed to the religious leaders to remain steadfast in praying for him, Niger State and Nigeria, expressing hope that their prayers would contribute to peace and prosperity.

Acknowledging the security challenges confronting parts of the state, the governor urged them not to relent in seeking divine intervention.

The leader of the delegation and Director-General of the Bureau for Religious Affairs, Malam Umar Faruk Abdullahi, said the Islamic groups visited the Government House to mourn with the governor and the people of Niger State over the loss of the 37 miners.

He said the delegation also came to encourage Bago to remain strong in faith despite the tragedy.

Abdullahi described the incident as devastating to the people of the state, reminding the governor that, in Islamic belief, Allah tests the faith of His servants in different ways.

He urged Bago not to be discouraged by unfolding events in the state but to remain firm in his faith and trust in Allah.

The Chief Imam of Minna, Malam Jibril Isah, led prayers for the deceased, as well as for peace and unity in Niger State and Nigeria.

The deaths of the 37 artisanal miners have generated public concern, with investigations ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.