OSOGBO, Nigeria — August 25, 2025
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), has expressed concern over the rising wave of criminal activities in Nigeria, calling on citizens not to relent in praying for the nation.
Gowon, who is the convener of Nigeria Prays, made the call while addressing participants virtually at a one-day national prayer rally organised by the South-West Zone of the group in Osogbo on Sunday.
According to Rev. Mike Adebomi, Osun State Coordinator of Nigeria Prays, the interdenominational platform—founded by Gowon in 1996—brings Christians together to intercede for the nation.
Leading the prayers against kidnapping, banditry, murder, and other crimes, Gowon urged Nigerians to present the country’s challenges before God, including political, economic, and religious problems.
Independent national security data confirm that incidents of kidnapping and banditry have increased significantly in recent years, though no age-specific statistics were cited at the rally to support the claim that youth are most responsible.