Residents of Borno experience a calm Eid El-Fitr celebration under heavy police presence

Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, witnessed a peaceful observation of the 2026 Eid El-Fitr sallah festival, despite concerns over renewed bomb explosions and attacks on residents and military formations across the state.

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The Eid Grounds were characterized by tight security, with the State Police Command having restricted the movement of Tricycles, also known as Keke Napep, from 6am to 12pm throughout the day, although some tricycle riders defied this order after the Eid Prayers.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the Eid al-Fitr prayers at Ramat Square Eid Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he joined other Muslim faithful in marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

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Following the two Rakaat Prayers, Vice-President Kashim Shettima expressed gratitude to God and urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace, leadership, and development in the country, while reaffirming the federal government's commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens nationwide.

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He emphasized the importance of peace for development, and offered prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives in the recent multiple explosions and attacks in Borno State and other parts of the country.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima was accompanied by Governor Babagana Zulum, Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin, and a delegation of federal and state officials, including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and Senator Ali Ndume.

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Other notable attendees included Hon. Usman Zannah, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis, Hon. Bukar Talba, and Hon. Uba Ahmadu Maigari, Minister of State for Regional Development, as well as members of the Borno State Executive Council and prominent party chieftains.

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The two Rakaat Congregational prayer was led by Imam Idaini of Borno, Imam Shettima Saleh, who in his sermon, encouraged all Muslims to continue praying for peace in the state, region, and country at large.

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Imam Shettima Saleh also reminded the Muslim community of the importance of performing their Zakatil Fitri and observing Shitta Shawwal, a six-day fast in the month of Shawwal, to complement the one-month Ramadan Fast as commanded by Allah.

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He highlighted the virtues of selflessness, discipline, unity, and renewed commitment to the values of peace, generosity, and selflessness that Islam teaches, as reminded by Imam Shettima.

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Further details will be provided later.