Written By: Ahmed Rufa’i in Dutse
A prolonged delay in rainfall has triggered anxiety among residents of Ringim Local Government Area and may parts of Jigawa State, where thousands of Ringim community gathering on Wednesday for a special Islamic prayer (Salatul Istisqa’) to seek divine intervention against the worsening dry spell.
The prayer, held at the Central Eid Ground in Ringim, attracted worshippers from the town and neighbouring communities, who offered supplications, sought Allah’s forgiveness and prayed for abundant rainfall to rescue the current farming season.
The Emir of Ringim, Alhaji Sayyadi Mahmud, was represented by the Senior Councillor of the Ringim Emirate, while the Chief Imam of Ringim led the congregation in prayers for rain and prosperity.
Speaking with Truths Finder, a resident, Malam Muhammad Sulaiman, said the special prayer became necessary following the persistent delay in rainfall, which has left many farmers uncertain about the fate of this year’s agricultural season.
According to him, the Chief Imam prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, urging the Almighty to bless the land with beneficial rainfall capable of reviving farms, sustaining livestock and easing the hardship facing the people.
“We have placed our hope in Allah. We prayed for forgiveness and asked Him to bless our land with abundant rain, revive our farms and remove the hardship brought by the prolonged dry spell,” Sulaiman said.
He disclosed that many farmers in the area have yet to plant their crops despite the farming season already being underway, while those who planted early are witnessing their crops dry up because of insufficient rainfall.
“July has already begun, yet many farmlands remain uncultivated. The few crops planted are drying up. Farmers are becoming increasingly worried about poor harvests, food shortages and hunger if the rains do not come soon,” he added.
Findings by Truths Finder revealed that several communities across Jigawa State are experiencing below-normal rainfall, raising fresh concerns over agricultural productivity and food security in one of Nigeria’s major food-producing states.
Residents expressed hope that the special prayer would usher in steady rainfall and avert a looming agricultural setback capable of affecting livelihoods across the state.
