By Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Muslim clerics and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from different parts of the country have gathered in Katsina State to pray for peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections and promote unity among Nigerians.
The gathering also aimed to strengthen peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs.
Participants used the occasion to honour Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masusuka, who initiated the prayer session but was reportedly killed by unknown gunmen days before the event.
Organised under the Quranic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative, the prayer gathering was held under the theme, “National Unity Gathering for Prayers, Peace and Unity.”
The event attracted followers of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shi’a), Qadiriyyah, Tijjaniyyah, Ahlus Sunnah and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chairman of CAN in Katsina State, Reverend Richard Shuaibu Danliti, described the event as an important step towards promoting unity and harmony among Nigerians.
He commended participants for their commitment to ensuring the successful conduct of the prayer session despite the killing of Sheikh Masusuka.
“We commend followers of different faiths for coming together and ensuring the successful conduct of the prayers,” he said.
Danliti assured that CAN would build on the gains of the gathering and continue working towards unity among Nigerians and peaceful coexistence in the country.
He also called on Nigerians to continue praying for the successful and peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Zakzaky Calls for Justice
The National Leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shi’a), Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, represented by Professor Abdullahi Yahaya, said the movement would continue to promote the ideals and teachings of the late Sheikh Masusuka, particularly his emphasis on unity among Nigerians.
Zakzaky called on security agencies to intensify investigations and apprehend those responsible for the killing of the cleric.
He stressed the need for government and security agencies to ensure that those behind the killing were arrested and prosecuted to prevent further attacks on Islamic scholars.
“It is necessary for government and security agents to arrest and prosecute those behind the killing of Sheikh Masusuka to avert the killing of innocent Islamic scholars in the country,” he said.
Qadiriyyah, Emir Call for Peace
The representative of the Qadiriyyah Movement, Ibrahim Isah Abdullahi Makwarari, urged Nigerians to embrace peace as a foundation for national development.
He also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address killings and other security challenges caused by armed bandits.
The Emir of Katsina, Abdumumini Kabir Usman, represented by the Sarkin Fada, Abdulkadir Ismaila Damale, called on Islamic clerics to continue enlightening their followers on the importance of peace.
The Emir also warned youths against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble during and after the 2027 general elections.
Dalung Mourns Masusuka
Former Minister of Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who also spoke at the gathering, described the late Sheikh Masusuka as his brother and close friend.
He said the cleric’s killing was a great loss to the country, describing him as an ambassador of peace.
Dalung urged the late cleric’s followers to continue propagating his ideals and teachings in different parts of the world.
The gathering reaffirmed the importance of religious tolerance, national unity and peaceful coexistence as Nigerians prepare for the 2027 general elections.
