Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has urged religious leaders to intensify efforts in preaching peace, tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He made the call when members of the Niger State Imams Forum and other Islamic organizations paid him a condolence visit at the Government House over the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state.
The Governor appreciated the religious leaders for the visit and urged them to use their positions as trusted voices in society to promote peace and unity among the people.
He also advised religious leaders to stay clear of partisan politics and concentrate on their roles as advocates of peace, while helping to curb societal ills.
Bago further appealed to the clerics to remain steadfast in praying for the state and the country, saying divine guidance and intervention were essential for peace and prosperity.
He acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of the state and urged religious leaders to continue seeking divine intervention while supporting efforts to promote peace and stability.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Director-General of the Bureau for Religious Affairs, Malam Umar Faruk Abdullahi, said the Islamic organisations visited the Government House to sympathise with the governor and the people of Niger State over the loss of the 37 artisanal miners.
Faruk described the incident as devastating to the people of the state and encouraged the governor to remain steadfast in faith despite the tragedy.
He reminded Bago that, in Islamic teachings, Allah tests His servants in different ways, urging him to regard the incident as a trial that would eventually pass.
He also encouraged the governor not to be discouraged by the challenges confronting the state but to remain firm in the remembrance of Allah, whom he described as the Guardian of mankind.
The Chief Imam of Minna, Malam Jibril Isah, led prayers for the souls of the deceased as well as for peace, unity and prosperity in Niger State and Nigeria.
