The Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, has advised
Muslims and Christians in Nigeria have been rallied to unite in prayers and action against the senseless killings of defenceless Nigerians across various parts of the Country.
Making the call, the Chief Imam of Akure, the Ondo State capital, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, urged all to pray for the exposure of those behind the killings to face justice.
He however cautioned the followers of the two religions to stop apportioning blames over the killings, a problem which he said needed a collective approach to solve.
He spoke during a special Jumat prayer at Akure Central Mosque to mark this year\’s Press Week of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.
He enjoined Muslims and Christians to embark on fervent prayers as only means to overcome the current killings rather than engaging in utterances or acts that could further breach the nation\’s security.
The cleric, that casualties have been recorded in both sides to the killings.
Appealing to his Muslim brethren, he noted that Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims are peaceful.
His words: \”Christians and Muslims should join hands together to pray for the sustainability of the peaceful coexistence in the country and on how to get rid of killings through prayer\”.
Yayi-Akorede advised against viewing the killings from religious perspective, and admonished Muslims to always pray for peace in the country.
He prayed for journalists in the state and urged them to always display professionalism while desisting from what can jeopardise the peace in the country by reporting happenings objectively.
The Chief Imam charged them to be fair in the discharge of their duty so that they do not mislead the public in their reportage.
In hus speech, the Ondo State Chairman of NUJ, Mr. James Sowole, appreciated God for giving journalists opportunities to witness the annual event of the pen profession in the state and promised responsible reportage of the security situation in the country.
Sowole, accompanied by some members of the union, urged religious leaders to always use their sermons to promote peace and educate their followers on best ways of ensuring peaceful coexistence among Muslims and Christians in the country.
