Eid-el-Kabir: President Buhari Orders Maximum Security

8 years ago

Eid-el-Kabir: President Buhari Orders Maximum Security

As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts across the world to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, President Muhammadu Buhari declared, yesterday, that national security remains his priority. He, therefore, ordered security agencies to provide maximum security across the nation especially in areas most vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

The President also charged Muslims to display patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all as they celebrate.

A man carries a ram bought to celebrate Eid al-Adha at the market in Kara, Ogun, on September 23, 2015. Nigeria imposed tight movement restrictions in the restive northeast after Boko Haram bombings that killed more than 100 raised fears of fresh attacks over the Eid al-Adha festival. The military said the use of all vehicles would be banned throughout Borno state during the Muslim festival, which is known as Sallah in Nigeria and marked with two days’ public holiday from Thursday.

Similarly, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, were joined by the various state governors as they called for unity, peace, prayer and re-dedication to God among Nigerians. Also, Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase has ordered effective and extensive deployment of personnel, including movement of necessary logistics to all nooks and crannies of the country.

The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Mallam Garba Shehu, assured of the commitment of his administration to provide adequate safety for all Nigerians, stressing that their safety, well-being and progress remained uppermost in his thoughts and actions, and that he will continue to work with all his might to deliver the positive changes in national life which they expect after his election and inauguration as Head of the Government of the Federation.”

He also condoled with families in the North-East, who had lost relatives in recent terrorist attacks, saying that “thoughts and prayers for divine solace are with all those who have been callously plunged into mourning by mindless terrorists, when others are celebrating this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.”

To ensure hitch-free celebrations, President Buhari directed the Armed Forces and national security agencies to provide maximum security across the nation, especially in areas most vulnerable to terrorist attacks, assuring that “the days of Boko Haram are numbered.”

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According to him, “Boko Haram’s reign of terror in parts of the country will be finally over very soon as the ongoing military onslaught against the terrorist sect will continue relentlessly until total victory is achieved.”

Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed Chief Imams of Juma’at mosques across the country to conduct special prayers for unity, peace and progress of the nation.

In a statement signed by the acting secretary, Sultanate Council of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’idu Maccido, the Sultan, who is also the President-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (NSCIA), wished Muslims across the world a peaceful and prosperous Eid el-Kabir celebration.

IGP orders massive deployment personnel, logistics

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, has mandated all Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Sates’ Commissioners of Police to ensure adequate security with standard operation procedures before, during and after the celebrations to secure key and vulnerable points, Eid-praying grounds and other places of worship, including public places and recreation centres.

A statement signed by Acting ACP Olabisi Kolawole said: “The IGP enjoined Nigerians to always report any act of criminality to the police at all times as the Nigeria Police are prepared to take prompt and decisive actions, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Police.

In the sallahmessage, National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP called for prayers for Nigeria’s unity, peaceful co- existence and rededication to God.

In a same vein, Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Senate President David Mark and former National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, stressed the need for peace and unity to reign supreme in the country, just as they called for religious tolerance between Christians and Muslims and members of other religions in the country.