Muslims in Imo have joined their counterparts in the rest of the world to mark the year 2022 Eid-el-Fitr celebration amidst tight security.

There was heavy presence of armed security operatives around the Central Mosque in Orlu road and the Douglas road mosque, both in Owerri, the state capital, on Monday.

Non-muslim residents of the state, however, stayed away from the streets, in partial compliance to the routine Monday sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenious People of Biafra (IPOB).

Speaking after the Eid prayers, the leader of the Northern and Muslim community in Imo, Auwal Baba-Sulaiman, advised Muslims in the state to remain prayerful for peace, unity, and stability of the country and for the smooth conduct of the 2023 general elections.

He expressed gratitude to God for continued protection and blessings for the Muslim community in the state as well as for the successful 30 days of prayer by the Muslims.

He noted that  the Eid-el-Fitr enabled Muslims to reflect and come back to Almighty Allah, seek forgiveness and repentance, peace, love and unity with one another as brothers and sisters.

“We are grateful to Allah for a successful period of prayers and for this day in which we can reflect on the meaning of love, truth, fairness and forgiveness.

“I congratulate all Muslims in the country and wish us good health and happiness as we mark the end of the fast,” he said.

He however advised the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, to arrest insurgency and banditry in the country.

He regretted that the continued senseless shedding of blood and destruction of public and private property by criminal elements had become a serious threat to the nation’s development and growth.

Speaking, a businessman and Muslim faithful, Shehu Kwanti, enjoined Nigerians to always have the interest of the nation at heart and to shun actions that run counter to the ideals of the nation’s founding fathers.

He harped on unity in Nigeria’s diversity as an important ingredient for development and urged the federal government to be more proactive in its fight against insurgency.

“Our founding fathers such as the Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sarduana of Sokoto enjoyed unity in diversity, but unfortunately, that is gradually disappearing from our society.

“Nigeria is one and there is a need for all Nigerians to live in unity and peace with one another. I have lived in Imo for 40 years but never have I seen security degenerate to this level.” Mr Kwanti said.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Gender, Vulnerable Groups and Northern Affairs (Men), Sulaiman Ibrahim, who delivered the Governor’s message to the Muslim community, prayed Allah to bring back peace and stability to all communities in the state.

He  charged the Muslims in the state to use the Eid- el-Fitr celebration to pray for the unity of the state and the nation at large.

(NAN)