At least 35 Muslims heading to Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State for yesterday’s celebration of Maulud Nabbiy have died in a motor accident.
The accident victims were in a chartered J5 Volkswagen bus, which had a head-on collision with another vehicle near the town.
Efforts to get an official comment on the incident were unsuccessful last night.
But one of the organisers of the yearly event, who gave his name simply as Malam Abdullahi, told reporters that about 35 other persons injured in the accident were taken to Plateau State for treatment.
“I did a headcount and there were about 70 people, including women and children, who were involved in the accident. It was a tragic incident. The injured have been taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention,” Abdullahi said.
Also, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday urged fellow Nigerians, especially the Muslims, to imbibe Prophet Muhammad’s teachings of love, kindness, and tolerance.
Felicitating the Muslim Ummah on the yearly celebration, she said: “I felicitate the Muslim Ummah across our great nation as we celebrate this year’s Maulud Nabiyy, the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“This occasion reminds us of the values of peace, compassion, and unity that the Prophet exemplified throughout his life.
“Let us use this opportunity to reflect on his teachings of love, kindness, and tolerance, which will help us build stronger communities and a more harmonious society.
“May the blessings of this day bring joy and peace to our homes and our country. Maulud Nabiyy Mubarak”
Also, Governors Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Hope Uzodimma (Imo) implored Nigerian to promote peaceful co-existence with one another.
They noted that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity, urging citizens to come together to promote a peaceful coexistence that transcends religious boundaries.
Also, ministers called for love, compassion, and unity among Nigerians to build a stronger and more united nation where every citizen would be able to realise their dreams.
Mr. Nyesom Wike (Federal Capital Territory), Hajiya Hannatu Musa Muasawa (Arts, Culture and Creative Economy), and Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu (Steel Development) stressed the importance of Nigerians living in harmony with one another and promoting peace in their communities.
Also, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, saluted members of the Armed Forces, lauding their valour in tackling security challenges.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, urged all Nigerians to remain prayerful for the sustenance of peace, unity, and progress of the country.
Also, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
In a statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said: “As we gather in celebration, let us be reminded of the contemporary realities facing our beloved country. Nigeria is blessed with a rich diversity of cultures and religions, and it is this diversity that strengthens the fabric of our nation. However, we must also acknowledge the challenges of insecurity, economic hardship, and social division that threaten our unity.”
Also, the Lagos State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, through its Chairman, HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, stressed the need for unity among religions to enable the country overcome its challenges.
