Islamic scholars and pilgrims from Nigeria yesterday gathered at the plain of Arafat and offered prayers for the nation, leaders and the well being of citizens.

The team of clerics, under the umbrella of the Ulama Committee of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), took turns seeking divine intervention for Nigeria’s leaders and an end to insecurity.

They also prayed for economic prosperity, national unity, and an end to drug abuse among youths across the country.

The prayers were said in seven (7) Nigerian languages: Hausa, English, Kanuri, Hausa, Fulani, Igbo and Nupe.

The federal government has continued to grapple with insecurity especially in the northeast and northwestern part of the country.

In his remarks, chairman of NAHCON, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, said it has been a tradition for the scholars and pilgrims to pray for leaders and Nigeria during Arafat.

“We use this place as an opportunity to pray knowing the significance of asking God’s mercy here, and his promise to answer our prayers,” he said.

He warned citizens against raining curses and abuses on leaders, saying the result is always detrimental to the ordinary citizens in the society.

“We should pray for Allah SWT to help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice president, Kashim Shettima to steer the affairs of this country.

“May Allah SWT give them the wisdom and strength to confront many challenges facing Nigeria and its citizens,” he said

Sheikh Nasir Adam, who spoke in Arabic, stressed the need for unity among Ulamas irrespective of sects and ideology.