Northern youth praise Tinubu’s Umrah pilgrimage and condemn the killing of the Islamic cleric

The Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF), a coalition of prominent youth groups in Northern Nigeria, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage to pray for peace, unity and development in Nigeria.

The coalition also condemned the killing of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Massusuka, describing the perpetrators as enemies of national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The national president of the coalition, Sama Musa, said this in a statement, underlining the importance of prayer, religious tolerance and collective efforts for nation-building.

Musa described Nigeria as a complex nation characterized by ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, stressing that faith and prayers remain important pillars in sustaining national unity.

He said the President’s decision to undertake the pilgrimage and seek divine intervention for Nigeria demonstrated the importance of spiritual commitment to the country’s peace and stability.

Musa said: “As a people of faith, prayer remains one of the fundamental pillars that hold Nigeria together despite our cultural and religious differences. The peace of our nation is fundamental to national development and nation-building.

“We commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for taking time for the Umrah pilgrimage and seeking divine guidance for our country,” the statement read.

The coalition also expressed its sincere gratitude to the Islamic and Christian clergy across the nation who continually dedicate themselves to praying for the unity, peaceful coexistence and prosperity of Nigeria.

Regarding the killing of Massusuka, the group described the incident as tragic, insisting that those responsible were bent on undermining Nigeria’s fragile peace.

Musa added: “We have condemned the tragic killing of respected Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Massusuka, describing the perpetrators as clear enemies of Nigeria who intend to destabilize the country’s fragile peace.

“The late Yahaya Massusuka was a firm believer in national unity, whose core teachings centered on religious tolerance, peace and mutual respect – virtues that are vital ingredients if Nigeria is to reach its full potential.”

The coalition urged President Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police and relevant security agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are swiftly identified, arrested and brought to justice to face the full weight of the law.

The group concluded by reiterating its commitment to supporting initiatives and leadership that promote national cohesion, security and peaceful coexistence in all regions of the country.