Northern State governors have agreed to pursue the current security challenges bedevilling the region with sustained fervent prayers against banditry and kidnapping.

Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger said this at the opening of a two-day symposium tagged: “The role of Imams in ensuring credible and peaceful elections as well as good governance”.

It was organised by Jumaat Mosques Imams’ Forum in conjunction with Rahama and Bago Foundation in Minna on Saturday.

Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Matane, Mr Bello said security agencies should be supported with “prayers by religious leaders to address the ugly trend.”

Applauding security agencies, he added that religious and traditional rulers must be accorded prominence for the fight against insurgency to succeed.

In his remarks, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Umar Bago, promised to support any initiative targeted at ameliorating the hardship of the people.

Mr Bago said the roles played by religious and traditional rulers in promoting peaceful co-existence were enormous and they should be supported to achieve maximum results.

Also speaking, Senator Sani Musa (APC-Niger East) asked youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and “elect credible leaders.”

He also called for prayers by religious leaders for a hitch-free 2023 general elections.

Secretary, Imams’ Forum, Niger, Sheikh Umar Abdullahi, called on religious leaders to be actively involved in politics to sanitise the system.

(NAN)