Emir Bayero calls for prayer over terrorism as Sambo visits

MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH/Kano

Pray and fast for peace, live in peace and promote issues that will bring about peaceful co-existence, Emir of Nigeria’s city of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero urged Nigerians while receiving Vice-President Namadi Sambo at his Inner Chamber in the Palace Sunday afternoon.

Emir Ado Bayero survived terrorist attack on 19 January in the heart of his kingdom while returning from a religious function at Massalacin Murtala.

About seven people, including his private driver and four guards lost their lives in that devastating attack orchestrated by gun men in SUV and on motorbikes, while the Emir’s two sons and several others got injured.

They had thrown explosives at the Emir’s convoy and followed with gun shots.

Emir Bayero left Nigeria to the United Kingdom, a day after the attack for rest and medical attention and returned home on 27 February, 38 days after his sojourn to London.

Bayero called on Nigerians to be steadfast and seek peace at all times, noting that with prayers and patriotic spirit, the country will surely overcome the current security challenges.

The revered Kano monarch noted that the attack on his convoy by gun men suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, was an act of God, pointing out that the only solution was for Nigerians to seek God’s intervention.

Bayero urged Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion to be more concerned to peaceful co-existence and development of the country.

Vice President Namadi Sambo said he was in Kano with a message from President Goodluck Jonathan to commiserate with the Kano Emirate Council, government and the people of Kano state over the January 19 attack on the Emir’s convoy.

Sambo noted that the Presidency remains grateful to God for saving the life of the Emir, adding that the Nigerian government is taken adequate steps to solve the problem of insecurity bedeviling peace, stability and development in the country.

The Vice President, however, described the attack on the Emir and other havoc wreaked by terrorists as unfortunate, adding that the Federal Government is on top of the situation.

P.M.NEWS reports that Kano stood still for Sambo’s commiseration visit, as all security agencies including the police, military, Civil Defence Corps and agents of the State Security Services, SSS, showed conspicuous presence everywhere around the ancient city.