For more than 15 years, Northern Nigeria has continued to suffer from serious insecurity, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of violence. Thousands of innocent people have lost their lives, while many communities have been displaced and livelihoods destroyed.
In the North East, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups have continued to pose a major security threat. In the North West, banditry and mass kidnappings have become a painful reality for many communities. In the North Central region, attacks by armed groups, kidnapping and communal violence have also continued to affect the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Despite the suffering that people across the region have experienced for many years, one cannot help but ask: Where are the collective prayers and urgent interventions from our political leaders and religious scholars for the peace and security of Northern Nigeria ?
It is unfortunate that thousands of Islamic scholars can be gathered to organise Qur’anic recitations and prayers for a politician’s electoral success, yet similar efforts are rarely seen on the same scale when ordinary people are being killed, kidnapped and displaced.
There is nothing wrong with praying for a political leader or wishing someone success. However, when a region has been suffering from insecurity, poverty, unemployment and economic hardship for almost two decades, the priorities of its leaders and influential religious figures should also reflect the suffering of the people.
If thousands of Islamic scholars can come together to pray for a politician to win the 2027 general election, why can’t thousands of them also come together to pray for an end to banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in Northern Nigeria ?
Why can not religious leaders call on their followers to dedicate special prayers for the families who have lost loved ones, communities that have been displaced, children whose education has been disrupted and farmers who can no longer safely access their farms ?
The people of Northern Nigeria deserve more than political endorsements. They deserve security, education, employment, economic opportunities and a future where their children can grow up without fear.
The situation becomes even more concerning when we consider the economic hardship facing ordinary people. The cost of food and basic necessities has risen significantly, while many workers struggle to survive on their salaries. For many civil servants and low-income families, buying a full bag of rice has become a serious financial challenge.
The question should therefore not only be about who will win the next election. We should also be asking: How will ordinary Nigerians survive ? How will insecurity be defeated ? How will young people find jobs ? How will farmers return safely to their farms ? How will displaced communities rebuild their lives ?
Religious scholars have an important role to play in society. They command respect and have millions of followers who listen to their advice. That influence should be used not only during elections but also to speak against injustice, insecurity, corruption, poverty and the suffering of ordinary citizens.
Scholars should be among the strongest voices demanding peace and accountability. They should encourage leaders to protect lives and property and remind politicians that public office is a responsibility, not simply an opportunity to gain power.
Northern Nigeria has suffered enough. For years, people have been living with fear, poverty and insecurity. Families have lost fathers, mothers, children and breadwinners. Some communities have been attacked repeatedly, while many young people have grown up knowing violence as part of everyday life.
It is therefore painful when the same society that has witnessed these tragedies appears more politically mobilised than socially mobilised against insecurity.
Prayers are important, but prayers should not become a substitute for responsibility. Religious leaders, politicians, traditional rulers and ordinary citizens all have roles to play in demanding better governance and lasting solutions to the problems confronting the region.
If our scholars can mobilise thousands of people for political prayers, they should also be able to mobilise thousands for prayers for peace, unity and security in Northern Nigeria.
They should pray for the victims of terrorism and banditry. They should pray for the safe return of kidnapped citizens. They should pray for the families of those who have been killed. They should pray for the restoration of peace to communities across the North.
Above all, they should remind political leaders that the people are not merely voters who should be remembered during election seasons. They are citizens whose lives, security and welfare must remain the priority of government throughout the entire political cycle.
Northern Nigeria does not need politicians to be worshipped or treated as saviours. It needs leaders who will confront insecurity, create jobs, improve education, strengthen the economy and give ordinary people hope.
The time has come for our priorities to change. Before praying for who wins an election, let us pray for the survival, security and prosperity of the people. Before endorsing politicians, let us demand that they deliver peace and good governance.
