Borno Assault: No Faith Justifies the Slaughter of Innocent People, Says Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of 25 lives in the devastating multiple explosions that rocked various locations across Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday.

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On Tuesday, during the closing ceremony of the Annual Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja, Shettima conveyed his heartfelt condolences, emphasizing that no faith condones the senseless killing of innocent lives, as the sanctity of human life is a fundamental principle in all major world religions.

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Shettima offered prayers to Almighty Allah, seeking eternal rest for the souls of the victims of the terror attack in Maiduguri and imploring Allah to reward them with Al-jannah firdaus, while also granting their families the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

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In his remarks, Shettima said, "May the lives of innocent souls – 25 of them – that lost their lives in Maiduguri last evening rest in peace, may Allah grant their souls eternal rest and reward them with His Al-jannah firdaus, and may Allah also grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses."

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He further prayed, "May Allah bring this madness to an end, no religion endorses the killing of the innocent, whatever that is motivating them, may Allah either guide them on to the right path or may Allah vanish them from the surface of the earth."

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Shettima stressed the importance of Nigerians continuing to pray for the country's well-being across all sectors, and also appealed to citizens to pray for President Bola Tinubu and his team to be endowed with wisdom and courage to govern the nation effectively.

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According to Shettima, each Ramadan season serves as a poignant reminder to Muslims that power can be fleeting, and that no individual is above accountability to their creator, emphasizing that character and accountability are the ultimate measures of a person's actions.

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Shettima noted that gatherings like the Ramadan Tafsir are essential, as they help to keep public figures grounded and humble, reminding those in positions of authority that a nation's prosperity is not solely built on policies, but on conscience, restraint, and a fear of Allah.

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The Vice-President urged Muslim faithful to continue embodying the teachings and lessons of Ramadan, posing the question, "The question before us is not whether Ramadan is ending, the question is whether its teachings will continue to live in us after the moon has changed."

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Shettima cautioned that it is easy to demonstrate devotion during times of heightened spiritual awareness, but the true test lies in carrying those values into daily life, in the marketplace, the office, and in private, where only Allah is witness to one's actions.

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Reflecting on the lessons of Ramadan, Shettima said that the holy month teaches that pity without mercy is mere noise, and worship without service is incomplete, emphasizing the need for believers to translate their faith into tangible actions.

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He warned against reverting to old habits that undermine the collective well-being, such as bitterness, reckless speech, and indifference, stressing that a true believer should not become captive to anger, greed, and division after a month of spiritual reflection.

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Shettima emphasized that Nigeria needs leaders and individuals who understand that influence is a sacred trust, not a license, and that the country requires homes where children can witness good examples and receive wise guidance.

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The Vice-President commended the Chief Imam of the State House Mosque, Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abubakar, and his team for conducting the Tafsir with wisdom and calm hearts, creating a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants.

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Earlier, Abubakar, the Chief Imam, had offered prayers for sustainable peace and development in Nigeria, as well as the success of the Tinubu administration's policies and programs, emphasizing the need for leaders to discharge their duties with the fear of Allah to foster national development.