The chairman of Kabba-Bunu local government of Kogi, Moses Olorunleke, has declared Thursday for fasting and prayers for peace to return to the area.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Kabba, the chairman said the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele-Owoniyi, approved the declaration.

According to the chairman, all shops and offices are to remain closed throughout the day for the fasting and prayers.

He said that the fasting and prayers became imperative in view of the insecurity in the area in recent times.

The chairman observed that the security situation in the area was worsened by two explosions that occurred within two weeks.

“The first explosion occurred on May 11, while another occurred on May 29. It is a serious development that calls for drastic and spiritual measures, hence the declaration of Thursday (June 16) as a day for solemn assembly in the area,” said Mr Olorunleke.

He called on both Muslims and Christians to pray to God to restore peace to the once peaceful area.

“Of course, without peace there can never be any development in our area. I hereby appeal to those causing trouble in the area to kindly leave the good citizens of Kabba-Bunu alone,” he added.

On May 30, the chairman directed beer parlours in Kabba to close by 7:00 p.m. daily following the explosion.

Mr Olorunleke also directed commercial motorcyclists (Okada) to stop working from 10:00 p.m. indefinitely from May 31.

In the first explosion 16 persons were affected, two persons died. In the second explosion, 11 persons were affected and one person died.

Spokesman for the police command in Kogi, William Ovye-Aya, confirmed the chairman’s declaration. He said the police were ready to offer adequate security for the people to ensure the success of the fasting and prayers.

(NAN)