As the Ramadan fast commenced on Monday, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, has called for unity and has urged the Federal Government to provide adequate security for lives and properties during the season.

In a goodwill message signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya urged the Muslim Ummah and the entire citizenry, to utilise the sacred month for fervent prayers, to seek relief amid present economic hardships, and pray for peace, development, and prosperity of Gombe State and Nigeria at large.

He called for collective efforts in finding new solutions to the security and socio-economic challenges facing the nation, acknowledging the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the governors to address the current difficulties.

Yahaya assured citizens that these challenges will soon be overcome.

He also expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in abductions of vulnerable citizens in some parts of the country,  particularly referring to the recent incidents involving students in Kaduna, internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno, and Almajiri pupils in Zamfara states.

Governor Inuwa decried the impact of these abductions on the affected individuals and communities, emphasising the need for security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to bring those responsible to justice, and to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

The governor called on citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security forces, and report any suspicious activities that could aid in preventing further incidents, emphasising that a secure environment is essential for the overall development and prosperity of the nation.

Expressing optimism in the power of prayers, commitment, and patriotism, the governor said he believed that the nation will emerge stronger from its current challenges.

He said Ramadan, as one of the five pillars of Islam, provides a golden opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and devotion through supplication and worship.

Yahaya urged clerics to emphasise peaceful coexistence, unity, and piety during their Tafsir sessions and other Ta’alimat throughout the month-long fast and beyond.

He particularly admonished the Muslim Ummah, to embody the spirit and ideals of Ramadan and Islam in their lives by promoting peace, kindness, and obedience, calling upon affluent ones in the society to extend acts of generosity to those in need.

The governor encouraged the people of the state, to continue being law-abiding and safeguarding the prevailing peaceful co-existence, reassuring the commitment of his government to continue to ensure peace, security, and the well-being of the people.