Religion
Nigeria can defeat banditry through Qur’anic justice, education -Imam Adebayo
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi
Founder of the Al-Hakeem Islamic Foundation of Nigeria, AIFN, Alhaji Imam Abdul Hakeem Abdul Rasheed Adebayo, has said that Nigeria can defeat banditry by applying Qur’anic principles of justice, expanding economic opportunities, and investing in education and moral reorientation.
In a paper presented on “An Islamic Approach to Combating Banditry in Nigeria: Banditry as a Case Study of National Insecurity” in Osun State, Imam Adebayo described banditry as one of the country’s most serious security challenges, particularly in the North.
He said activities such as kidnapping, cattle rustling, village attacks, murder and destruction of property have caused loss of lives, displacement of communities, economic hardship and widespread fear among citizens.
Quoting the Qur’an 4:93, the cleric said: “Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide forever, and Allah’s wrath and curse are upon him,” adding that Islam therefore condemns all forms of unlawful violence and criminality.
Imam Adebayo defined banditry as organized crime involving armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, attacks on villages, and destruction of lives and property. He said from an Islamic perspective, it falls under Hirabah, or waging war and spreading terror, which is prohibited in Qur’an 5:33.
The scholar identified six major causes of banditry in Nigeria as poverty and economic hardship, illiteracy and ignorance, weak law enforcement, corruption, proliferation of illegal weapons, and moral and spiritual decay.
He said the effects of the crisis include thousands of deaths, collapse of agricultural and trading activities, displacement of families, closure of schools, and psychological trauma for victims and affected communities.
To address the problem, Imam Adebayo proposed eight Islamic-based solutions for government, security agencies, religious leaders and citizens.
First, he said government must ensure criminals are prosecuted fairly and swiftly in line with the law, citing Qur’an 16:90: “Indeed, Allah commands justice.”
Second, he urged strengthening of the security architecture through better training, equipment and modern technology for intelligence gathering and rapid response.
Third, he called for tackling corruption, insisting that officials entrusted with security resources must be held accountable.
Fourth, the cleric recommended economic empowerment through investment in agriculture, vocational training and employment programs to reduce desperation among youths.
Fifth, he said government should expand quality education, especially in rural communities that are vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups.
Sixth, Imam Adebayo advised local communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence while following lawful procedures.
Seventh, he tasked Islamic scholars, imams and educators to intensify teaching on the sanctity of human life, honesty and peaceful coexistence.
Eighth, he said individuals who genuinely repent and abandon criminality should be given opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration under government programs.
He made specific recommendations to the Federal Government, including improving intelligence and surveillance, enhancing welfare and capacity of security personnel, and strengthening border security to curb illegal arms trafficking.
Other recommendations are increased investment in rural development and youth empowerment, closer cooperation between government, traditional rulers and religious leaders, and intensified anti-corruption efforts within security institutions.
Imam Adebayo also called for effective rehabilitation programs for repentant offenders and justice for victims and affected communities.
He concluded that banditry remains a major threat to Nigeria’s peace, unity and development, but Islam provides comprehensive principles for security and social order.
“Through justice, effective governance, economic empowerment, quality education, moral reorientation, and sincere reliance upon Allah, Nigeria can overcome the challenge of banditry and achieve lasting peace,” he said.
Religion
Pastor Monday Iwat charges A’Ibom Youths to embrace Godly conducts in their daily living for business growth and expansion
By Emmanuel Ikpe
The need for youths in Akwa Ibom to embrace Godly conducts and principles in their daily living has been stressed.
Honourable Pastor Monday Iwat gave the indication while speaking with journalists in Uyo after one of his missionary engagement with Pastor Mike Denigan, himself among other men of God.
Emphasizing that God principles embodied blessings that if embrace, it will trigger the needed blessings one need to meet the desire goal and expectations in life.
While wishing numerous Akwa Ibom youths a blessed new month of August 2026, the Uyo born Clergy, Politician and Architect prayed God to bring open doors to believers.
”May August bring you peace open doors, divine protection, and testimonies. God’s favor will speak for you this month, Welcome to your month of blessings. Happy new month family and friends”, he added.
Pastor Monday disclosed that embracing God in everyday life is liken to drinking water or watering plants that is need of growth and enable the man and plants to bear abundance fruits and therefore causes expansion.
”This growth and expansion will not only be seen in your life but it will also be seen in your businesses, spiritually, financially and materially and this can be achieved when we put God first in our daily living and try to practice the principle of Godly living “, he stated.
Pastor Monday Iwat has learned the ropes and have dedicated himself to work of God in the Ministry of Jesus Christ and have tested the gospel and have proven that that God can do all things and make life meaningful with blessings that knows no bounds and therefore encouraged others to follow suit especially in this perilous times.
Religion
Again, Governor Diri Tasks Bayelsans On Thanksgiving To Sustain God’s Glory.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has again emphasized the need for people of state to make thanking God a way of life to continually attract and sustain divine glory in their lives and the state in general.
Governor Diri laid the emphasis on Sunday while speaking at the Mid-Year Thanksgiving Service of the Refined People’s Assembly at Opolo in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa Chief Executive urged the people to thank God for His unseen mercies as well as answered and unanswered prayers, stressing that Almighty Creator alone knows the best for everyone in all situations.
Governor Diri expressed optimism that as Bayelsans continue to imbibe and practise thanksgiving, God’s glory upon the state will not only expand but also continue to rub off on Nigeria.
Dr Akpe, who performed the dual role of representing the governor as well as speaking as the guest preacher at the service, identified incredible multiplication, divine provisions and punishment for enemies as some of the benefits of thanksgiving.
Quoting copiously from the scriptures including Genesis Chapter 32:10 and Psalm 100:4 and making reference to the biblical Jacob, David, the ten lepers and Jesus Christ, the Deputy Governor enjoined Christians to always reflect on how the grace of God has led them in their life journey.
According to him, appreciating God by faith despite one’s current circumstances can serve as a divine access to sound health and promotion as well as an enabler to do exploits in one’s chosen career.
Governor Diri used the opportunity to appreciate the Christian community in the state, particularly the leadership and members of the Refined People’s Assembly for their prayers, and urged them to sustain their works of faith.
His words: “On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor, I want to thank God, your pastor and all of you for this privilege and for what you are doing for our state in terms of prayers.
“From the scriptures we have shared, I believe that the glory of God will not depart from you and our state. As you thank God, destinies will change for good. You will not be demoted to the realm of shame.
“Rather, you will move from one realm of glory to another. And as you are affected, so Bayelsa will be affected. And as Bayelsa is affected, so Nigeria will also be affected.
“As a child of God, I encourage you to thank God for His unseen mercies so that He will not withdraw it from you. Thank God for even unanswered prayers. And when you thank God, what happens?
“There is divine restoration, incredible multiplication and divine provisions. Secondly, there will be punishment for your enemies because God will arise and take over your battles as we can find in Jeremiah Chapter 30:19-20.”
Highpoint of the service was special thanksgiving by the leadership and members of the Refined People’s Assembly led by its Founder and Senior Pastor, Dr Daddy-Ken Bitere.
The Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, the Commissioner for Community Development, Hon. Alfred Belemote, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Godspower Asingba, among other government officials attended the mid-year thanksgiving service.
Religion
Niger state Christian Stakeholders demand Equal representation in the formation of APC 2027 general election
By Uthman Baba–Naseer,Minna
Coalition of Concern Christian Stakeholders in Niger State has requested for fair and equal representation of christians in the formation of 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC in the state.
The group Secretary, Comrade Jude Johnson stated this at a newsbriefing held in Minna, and Niger state capital, insisted on their demand for Christian deputy governor for the next general elections or opt for an alternative where their interest will be protected
The Coalition under the aegis of the Concerned Christian Stakeholders has urged Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and all major stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to facilitate the emergence of a Christian Deputy Governor for the 2027 Gubernatorial elections.
He revealed that they vehemently rejected the continuous Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket considering their contributions, dedication and population in the state.
“ We want to use this medium to notify his excellency that we have capable hands in Niger East (zoneB), Senatorial District,who have the prerequisite requirements and are dedicated members of APC.
“ Information at our disposal indicate that we have more of Christians in Zone B of the state,then why not give the body a fair treatment by picking a Deputy from amongst Christians” the Secretary asked.
According to him, Christians are over forty five percent (45%) in terms of population in Niger state, the ruling government has undermined and relegated Christians; in the just concluded Primaries of the APC, qualified and popular Christian politicians who Aspired to contest and be voted into various elective positions were compelled to drop their ambitions because of their religion.
Comrade Jude Johnson emphasized that having a Christian Deputy Governor in Niger state is not just about religion but it is important because of inclusive representation; justice, equity and fairness; strengthened Democracy and unity of purpose.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Coalition, Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa insisted in an equal representation of christian in governance, adding that the group is on the same page with the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN in Niger state in the agitation of Christian deputy governor.
Vatsa stated that allowing such marginalisation and deliberate segregation during the previous administration during the 2023 elections, they will not tolerate it this second term. Saying that same faith (Muslim-Muslim) ticket is insensitive to the state’s religious diversity.
He said, as a coalition, we declare that it is not politically, economically, educationally, or socially wise for us to accept another four years of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. This is a legitimate concern for equity, and no one can query our right to demand a seat at the table.
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