Hundreds of Christians and Muslims in Shendam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State gathered in their respective places of worship on Monday to pray for rain.
The prolonged dry spell has caused severe damage to crops in various communities within the LGA, leaving farmers deeply worried about the potential for significant losses.
The Muslims in the area convened at the Eid ground for a collective prayer session, while their Christian counterparts held similar prayer meetings in churches across the LGA.
Both groups shared a common purpose to plead with God for the much-needed rainfall that could save their withering crops.
Among the affected crops are staples such as maize, yam, and millet, all of which are critical to the livelihood of the local farmers.
Religious leaders who participated in these prayer sessions emphasized the importance of spiritual reflection and urged the people to reconsider their relationship with God.
They suggested that the sins and moral lapses prevalent in society might be contributing factors to the ongoing drought.
Abdulkareem Salihu, the Chief Imam of Yelwa Central Mosque, highlighted the significance of living in reverence and fear of Allah, stating that this is essential for God to heed their prayers and send rain.
He expressed concern over the various wrongdoings being committed, suggesting that Allah’s displeasure could be manifesting in the form of the current drought.
Similarly, Isaac Luka, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lakichi community, pointed out that actions such as making false promises, committing abortions, and taking innocent lives are some of the reasons for the challenges they now face.
According to Pastor Luka, the community’s transgressions against God have led to the drought and other associated problems.
After the prayer sessions, the religious leaders made a heartfelt appeal to the government, urging it to prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
They called on authorities at all levels to fulfill their obligations to the people, stressing that government action is also crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the communities affected by the drought.
The convergence of Christians and Muslims in a united effort to pray for rain underscores the gravity of the situation in Shendam LGA, where the hope for relief now rests in both divine intervention and government support.
