The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Council of Ulamas say bandits’ atrocities across various states in Nigeria are God’s will.

The Ulamas’ council and CAN in Kebbi stated this, advising Nigerians to repent and seek God’s intervention to end banditry and other security challenges facing the nation.

They stated this during “a sympathy visit” to Governor Atiku Bagudu at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

The governor met separately with the Council of Ulamas and the CAN leadership.

Recently, bandits abducted an unspecified number of students and teachers from the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri. Security forces said they rescued 11 students.

In their separate remarks, the chairman of Council of Ulamas, Sheikh AbdulRahman Isah-Jega, and the chairman of CAN, Ayuba Kanta, stressed the need for people to seek God’s intervention to restore peace to Kebbi and the country.

They assured the governor of their support and prayers. The clerics told Mr Bagudu, “See it as ordained by God, see it as a test from God, we shall all support you together with our prayers to overcome these security challenges until our enemies are no more.

“We know what you are doing. We are with you and will pray day and night for the success of the rescue mission.”

The religious leaders described Mr Bagudu as an “ambassador of peace.”

Responding, the governor stated, “This unfortunate incident has united us against the bandits who want to test our collective will.

“We shall work together against the bandits, as evident from the tremendous show of support from different angles.”

Mr Bagudu, while informing the clerics about the ongoing rescue operation, said, “All hands must be on the deck to complement the efforts of the security agencies in dealing with the situation.”

He thanked them for the show of solidarity and asked them to continue to pray for the release of the schoolchildren and an end to banditry not only in Kebbi but in the country.