In response to a severe drought ravaging crops in Plateau State, Christian and Muslim communities in Shendam Local Government Area united in prayer on August 12, 2024, seeking divine intervention to alleviate the dry conditions threatening their livelihoods.
Local religious leaders, including Chief Imam Abdulkareem Salihu and Pastor Isaac Luka, led the interfaith prayer sessions, attributing the drought to moral and spiritual failings within the community. They called on residents to reflect on their actions, suggesting that divine displeasure, fueled by issues such as corruption and violence, might be contributing to the harsh weather conditions.
The prayers were not only a spiritual appeal but also a call for practical solutions. The community urged the government to provide increased support to farmers, particularly through the implementation of irrigation systems to combat the drought’s devastating impact on essential crops like maize and yam. The leaders emphasized the need for a combined approach, integrating prayer with modern agricultural practices to address the food crisis.
Reactions from the public were mixed, with some attributing the drought to global climate change rather than solely spiritual causes. Many called for immediate governmental intervention, stressing the importance of infrastructure and support for farmers during such crises.
As the drought continues to take its toll, the community remains hopeful that their prayers, coupled with practical efforts, will bring much-needed relief.
