Tinubu calls for prayers, support for security agencies battling terrorism

By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to offer more prayers and support for the military and security agencies making sacrifices to protect the nation from terrorism and banditry.

The President made the call during Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Dodan Barracks in Lagos.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of praying for and showing love to vulnerable citizens, as well as for the security agencies risking their lives to keep the nation safe.

He encouraged Nigerians to unite, be their brothers’ keepers, and support one another in the spirit of sacrifice.

The President specifically called for prayers for the troops battling terrorism and banditry, acknowledging their sacrifices and urging citizens to behave responsibly.

“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice.

“We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone.

“We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today.

“We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens,” the president was quoted as saying in a statement on Friday by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.

At the prayer ground, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, urged the Muslim faithful to remember and reflect on Abraham’s sacrificial life.

“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men,” he said.

The Chief Imam called on worshipers to live in peace and consider the needs of their neighbours, the poor and vulnerable.

“If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress.

“We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” the Chief Imam said.

Along with President Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, and the former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, were at the prayer ground.

Also at the Eid ground were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; the Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu; and President Tinubu’s friend and longtime ally, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, were also in attendance.