The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) said insecurity in parts of the country appears to be deteriorating despite ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other criminal activities.

Speaking separately, the religious leaders urged the federal government to take urgent steps to stem the tide of violence across the country and restore peace.

In a message marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year, the Sultan said the country’s security situation demands collective action from citizens, religious leaders and security agencies.

The monarch, according to a statement signed by the Secretary-General of JNI, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said: “The time has come for us to look inward and rededicate ourselves to Allah while working together with relevant security agencies to stabilise the nation.”

The Sultan directed Imams leading the five daily congregational prayers across the country to begin Qunootun-Nawazil, special prayers traditionally observed during periods of calamity and distress.

He also appealed to worshippers to dedicate the first Friday congregational prayer of the new Islamic year, scheduled for June 19, to fervent supplications for peace and divine intervention in Nigeria’s affairs.

The bishops spoke on Tuesday during a thanksgiving Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos held to celebrate the 90th birthday, 60 years of priestly ministry and 55 years of episcopal service of Emeritus Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie.

The Archbishop of Lagos and CBCN Vice President, Alfred Martins, called on President Bola Tinubu and leaders at all levels to intensify efforts to restore peace and security.

He noted that Nigerians wake up daily to reports of attacks by Boko Haram, bandits and other criminal groups.

“Every day we hear of people being kidnapped, soldiers being ambushed and killed, communities displaced and traditional rulers fleeing their domains. It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand what is happening in our country,” he said.

Martins said the most meaningful gift Nigeria’s leaders could offer Cardinal Okogie would be a safer nation where citizens can live, travel and sleep without fear.

He urged the government to adequately equip and motivate security agencies to tackle the growing threats, stressing that “everyone is tired” of the persistent violence.

The archbishop acknowledged ongoing efforts by the government and engagements between the bishops and the presidency, but said the security situation had continued to deteriorate despite some gains.

“As CBCN, we have consistently drawn attention to these challenges and suggested ways forward. While the government has explained steps being taken, the problems persist and, in many cases, are getting worse,” he said.

The celebration also featured tributes to Cardinal Okogie, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken advocates for justice, accountability and good governance. (Daily Trust)

•Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie