By Obianuju Azukaego
Nigerian women have been called upon to urgently embark on a nationwide programme of prayer and fasting for the safe and immediate release of teachers and students reportedly being held by kidnappers and bandits in Ogbomoso, Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The appeal was made by Rev. Mrs. Ijeoma Pentecost during an interview with an Information Officer in Onitsha on Thursday, June, 4.
Rev. Mrs. Pentecost described the prevailing security situation in the country as alarming and heartbreaking, urging women across Nigeria to engage in fervent prayers and fasting for God’s intervention on behalf of the victims and their families.
According to her, the pain, anxiety and anguish being experienced by the parents and relatives of the abducted persons are immeasurable, considering the uncertainty and possible hardships the victims may be facing while in captivity.
She stressed that women have a vital role to play in seeking divine intervention, noting that sincere and persistent prayers can help bring lasting solutions to the nation’s security challenges.
The Women’s Fellowship leader appealed to women across the country to pray passionately for the safe release of those in captivity and for the restoration of peace and security nationwide.
While acknowledging that peaceful protests remain a legitimate means of expressing public concern, Rev. Mrs. Pentecost maintained that fervent prayers by God’s people, particularly women move God to intervene decisively in the situation.
“My fellow women, I urge you to be spiritually stirred and collectively embark on chain prayers to provoke God’s mercy and intervention,” she said.
She further called on women’s groups in churches, communities and other organisations to organise intensive intercessory prayer sessions for the release of the victims and for an end to kidnapping, banditry and other social vices in Nigeria.
Rev. Mrs. Pentecost emphasized that the activities of kidnappers and bandits must be brought to an end, adding that every Nigerian deserves to live in an atmosphere of peace, safety and security.
“The excesses of bandits and kidnappers in this country must stop. We must continue to seek God’s intervention and pray for the restoration of peace, safety and stability in Nigeria,” she said.
She expressed optimism that through unity, faith and sustained prayers, the nation would overcome its security challenges and witness lasting peace and stability.
Azukaego is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
