By Leshi James
Easter is a period when Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The celebration is in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s triumph over death.
Christians believe that His resurrection, means eternal life is granted to all who believe in Him.
Like in many places, the celebration In Billiri Local Government area of Gombe state, started from Friday, extending through Monday.
Prior to Good Friday (the day Jesus was nailed to the cross), some Christian sects, among them the Catholic, embark on a 40-day prayer and fasting, thereafter, commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – the last Sunday before Easter.
The people of Billiri LGA, generally known as Tangale people, had a peaceful and memorable 2022 Easter celebration, like it had always been.
15th April, marking the ‘Good Friday’, Tangale Christians went to their various churches to worship God with songs of praise and worship, listened to sermons and on Sunday, they mark the Easter.
Furthermore, in the early hours of Monday, the people, from nooks and crannies of the land came out and went to a particular hill, to worship, which has been the tradition. This is to emulate what was done in the Bible by Jesus’ followers, after he was buried, and later found that he had risen from the death.
On the hill, there were activities including prayers for peace in the land, sermon, rendition of praise and worship songs, and dances, among others.
Chairman, CAN, Billiri LGA, Rev. Ishaya Pandikungu, called on worshippers to continue to live in peace with all people.
“We come to this hill every year to worship God in line with the early traditions. As recorded in the Bible, when Jesus rose from the death, he charged His followers to meet Him at the mount of Olives.
“Jesus is alive, we have a responsibility of telling the world this good news, that the grave could not hold Him. He is risen and He is alive.
“As usual, from here we will move in procession to the market square and proclaim the good news.”
After programme on the hill, the people moved down in procession around Billiri town singing and dancing.
The event ended around the market square with another round of preaching, traditional dances and prayers offered for the peaceful coexistence of Tangale, and the nation at large.
In a message, Rev. Ishaya Barau said Jesus died and rose from the death, “He has gone to His father, promising the world of His second coming.
“There was never a prophet who said he was coming back after death except Jesus Christ.
“He said, I will come back and reign in the world and will take with me those who have accepted me.”
Barau added that, “those who believe in Jesus have been given the right to be called children of God and if you have not accepted Him, you are not His child and you do not have salvation, you will be destroyed and if you don’t have Jesus, you are hopeless.”
Also speaking, The Youth CAN Leader of Billiri LGA, Pastor Shadrach Bulus, appreciated the Youth for their cooperation and support to the leadership, calling on them to remain law abiding.
Pastor Bulus also called on them “to explore opportunities that will make you self-reliant, instead of depending on politicians for your upkeep, and to avoid being used as tools in their hands.
“I therefore urge you to go and register in the ongoing INEC voter registration, obtain your cards, so as to discharge your civic rights when the time comes.
The 2022 celebrations attracted some political leaders of the soil, among them, Mr. Victor Mela Danzaria (Member Representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency) and Mr. Rambi I. Ayala (Member Representing Billiri East in Gombe State House of Assembly).
