By John Shiklam in Kaduna
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Two Islamic clerics in Kaduna, the  Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Dr. Suleiman Adam and his counterpart at the Murtala Square Prayer  Ground, Sheikh Haliru Musa, on Friday  called on the federal government to take urgent steps in tackling the security challenges across the country, especially the activities of bandits in Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.
In their separate sermons during the Eid-el Fitr prayers marking the end of the Ramadan fasting  in Kaduna, the clergymen decried the persistent killings  and abduction of people by gunmen in Birnin Gwari and some parts of the country.
In his sermon at the Sultan Bello, Dr. Adam said the activities of armed bandits in the Birnin Gwari area was very worrisome and appealed to the authorities to step up efforts at combating the situation.
Also speaking in the same vein, Sheikh Musa lamented that security situation in the country was undermining socio economic activities in the country and urged the government to tackle the situation.
Both clerics urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for the nation’s leaders and for peace and stability in the country.Â
Meanwhile, a former federal lawmaker, Hon. Isa Ashiru has called for continuous prayers for the country ahead of the 2019 general elections.
In a statement marking the end of the Ramadan fasting, Ashiru urged  Muslim faithful to reflect on the good virtues of the month of Ramadan as well as keep alive the teachings and lessons therefrom.
He said  the challenges facing Nigeria  were enormous and called on the people to remain steadfast and ensure that they vote only those who have their interests at heart come 2019.Â
“Let us continue to pray for Kaduna State and  Nigerians for unity, peace and stability at this critical time,” he said.
