Sallah: Tinubu, Govs Advocate Unity, Pledge Improved Security

Akpabio urges compassion for the underprivileged Security tightened in Borno amidst terror threats

As Muslims in Nigeria join others around the world to celebrate Sallah, which marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors in the country have called for unity and sustenance of the values that underpinned the holy month.

Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Calls for Unity, Renewed Patriotism

President Tinubu congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

He enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasise piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

The governors said in their Sallah messages that they will ensure the protection of the citizens while advancing development in their various states.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State urged citizens to uphold unity, strengthen interfaith harmony, and sustain the values of Ramadan as Muslims celebrate Eid el-Fitr.

In his Eid message, the Governor described Ramadan as a period of spiritual renewal that instills discipline, compassion, and a heightened sense of responsibility to both Allah and humanity. He called on the Muslim Ummah to carry forward these virtues beyond the holy month.

He noted the rare overlap of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent, describing it as a powerful reminder of shared values such as sacrifice, repentance, and devotion, and an opportunity to deepen mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Highlighting Kaduna’s diversity, Governor Sani stressed that it must serve as a foundation for unity and collective progress rather than division.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, in a statement commemorating Sallah with Muslims, appealed for pragmatic national unity and improved security of lives and property of citizens.

Governor Mohammed expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT) for granting the faithful the strength, patience, and spiritual devotion required to fulfil the sacred obligation of fasting.

He called on residents to continue fostering tolerance, mutual respect, and collective responsibility in building a cohesive society.

Addressing security concerns, the Governor urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information

In Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, appreciates Allah for the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast, which culminated in the Eid-el-Fitr  celebration.

He commended the Muslim Ummah for their commitment, perseverance, and resilience in undertaking the spiritual exercise, one of the pillars of Islam.

The governor reminded them of the need to continue practising the lessons  they learnt from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith during the spiritual exercise and to remain steadfast in the virtues of charity, humility, peace, forgiveness, love, and sacrifice, among others, beyond the Ramadan fast.

Also, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda called on Muslims to uphold the virtues of patience and self-discipline as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

In a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, the governor congratulated the Muslim Ummah for successfully completing the fasting period, urging them to sustain the values imbibed during the holy month.

“As we celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge all Muslims to uphold the virtues of patience, compassion, and self-discipline cultivated during Ramadan,” he said.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, urged the Muslim faithful and Nigerians in general to sustain the virtues of unity, peace, and sacrifice that defined the Holy month of Ramadan.

Mbah, in his Eid-el-Fitr message to Enugu and Nigerian Muslim Ummah on Thursday, said, “I extend my warmest greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Enugu State in particular and Nigerians in general as they celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“The sacred period of Ramadan, defined by sacrifice, discipline, and deep spiritual reflection, typifies the rebirth that we fervently pray for and look forward to as a nation.”

Benue State Governor  Hyacinth Alia also felicitated with the Muslims in the state, Nigeria and across the world, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration.

The governor encouraged all Muslim Ummah to embrace the lessons, blessings, and spiritual benefits of Ramadan in their daily lives, saying the Holy Prophet’s teachings of love, peace, justice, and sacrifice are major contributors to nation-building.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement on Thursday, said Alia reminded Nigerians of the importance of respecting the faith and beliefs of all.

The Benue governor urged Muslims to use the celebration for sober reflection, praying for peace, unity and progress of the state and nation.

For his part the deputy governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor described Eid-el-Fitr as a profound spiritual milestone that embodies the virtues of sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and devotion to Almighty Allah.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun also extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across the state on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the governor described Ramadan as a sacred period marked by deep reflection, devotion, self-discipline, and renewed commitment to the service of Almighty Allah and humanity.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has greeted Muslims in Oyo State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the governor commended the Muslim faithful for their sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment throughout the 30-day fasting period, noting that such virtues are essential for personal and societal growth.

Akpabio urges compassion for the less privileged

In his goodwill message, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged  Muslims in Nigeria  to embrace compassion, forgiveness, and unity.

In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio commended Muslims for successfully completing the Ramadan fast.

He encouraged them to sustain the virtues of almsgiving, love, and peaceful coexistence cultivated during the holy month.

“This joyous celebration reminds us of the profound values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that Eid-el-Fitr embodies,” the statement read.

“As you conclude this important exercise of fasting and spiritual reflection, be reminded of the importance of empathy, kindness, and generosity towards others, particularly the less privileged.”

In his own message, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance and unity despite ethnic and religious differences.

While wishing Adamawa residents a happy Eid-el-Fitri, Fintiri said this is crucial for building a strong and united nation.

The governor noted that embracing peace, unity, and fairness is key to Nigeria’s rebirth.

He advised Nigerians to adopt the values of love, tolerance, forgiveness, and brotherhood exemplified by the holy month of Ramadan.

He said Nigeria can only progress if citizens prioritize brotherly love and harmonious coexistence, enabling the country to overcome its challenges.

The governor commended security forces for maintaining peace and stability in the region and expressed optimism that more can be achieved with collective effort.

Military Alone Can’t Defeat Insurgency – Zulum

On his part, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State emphasized that collaboration between residents and the military was crucial in combating renewed Boko Haram attacks.

The governor stressed that the military alone cannot tackle the insurgency without community support.

Zulum said this during his state-wide broadcast to the citizens of the state following the renewed Boko Haram attacks and Monday tripple suicide bombs attacks in Maiduguri Monday Market, the Post Office area and the University of Maiduguri entrance gate that claimed 25 lives with several others injured.

LEADERSHIP Friday reports that Governor Zulum was in Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj when some of the attacks and the suicide bombings occured .

The governor said,”This fight is not the responsibility of the military alone; it is a collective effort. I must emphasise the importance of cordial, close collaboration with our military.

“They are here to protect us, and they need our eyes and our ears. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of our gallant soldiers, security personnel and our volunteer forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

“Fellow citizens, the recent resurgence of insecurity in parts of our dear state over the past few weeks is deeply concerning. As the Chief Security Officer, let me assure you that the overall security environment, while tested, remains under control, and we are doing everything possible to protect lives and property.

Gov Zulum noted that the recent spike in activity by the criminal elements is a direct consequence of the sustained and aggressive military operations being conducted across the theatre, saying that the operations have dislodged the criminals, forcing them to flee and seek respite by infiltrating Borno communities.

“My heart also goes out to every civilian whose life has been disrupted by this situation. Your resilience is the bedrock of our state, and the power of prayer in unison is a weapon no enemy can withstand,” Zulum further said.

Eid-el-fitri: Gov Fintiri Calls For Tolerance, Unity

Tight security in Borno amidst terror threats

As part of security measures amidst Boko Haram terrorists’ threats in Maiduguri, the Borno State Police Command has placed restrictions on the movement of tricycles (Keke Napep) from 6am to 12pm on  Friday.

A statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth Daso, obtained by LEADERSHIP on Thursday, said the directive is aimed at enhancing security coordination, easing crowd management, and preventing potential security threats.

The PPRO said,”In furtherance of its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, the Command has implemented a comprehensive security architecture to ensure a peaceful, safe, and hitch-free Eid celebration across the State.

“As part of these measures, the Command hereby announces the restriction on the movement of tricycles (Keke Napep) from 6am to 12pm on 20/03/2026.

“This directive is aimed at enhancing security coordination, easing crowd management, and preventing any potential security threats. Members of the public are enjoined to comply strictly.”

The Command also advised worshippers to observe Eid prayers at designated grounds closest to their residences, to minimise movement and to avoid overcrowding.

Daso said to ensure effective security coverage, the Command, in synergy with other security agencies, had deployed adequate personnel to Eid prayer grounds, markets, motor parks, and other vulnerable points for crowd control, access regulation, traffic management, and general security surveillance.

He said in addition, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit had been strategically positioned at major gathering points to conduct thorough screening and scanning of all persons and items entering designated venues, as part of proactive measures to forestall any untoward incidents.

The spokesman added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, had directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, Intelligence and surveillance operatives to intensify visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and sustained patrols throughout the festive period, while upholding professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and promptly report any suspicious movements or objects.

“Parents and guardians are equally advised to keep close watch over their children, particularly in crowded environments.”

The Borno State Police Command reassured the people of the state of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the festivities.