Shettima Mourns Maiduguri Victims, Condemns Killing of Innocents

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the death of 25 persons killed in multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, declaring that no religion supports the killing of innocent people.

Shettima made the remark on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the Annual Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja, ahead of his scheduled visit to Borno State following the deadly attacks that occurred on Monday evening.

The Vice President described the incident as tragic and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls, asking Almighty Allah to grant them eternal rest and comfort their families.

“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 Aljannah Firdaus, and may Allah grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses,” he said.

He stressed that the sanctity of human life is a core teaching of all major religions, noting that violence against innocent people cannot be justified under any belief.

“No religion sanctions the killing of the innocent. Whatever is motivating them, may Allah guide them to the right path or remove them from the surface of the earth,” Shettima added, while praying for an end to terrorism and violence in the country.

The Vice President urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace, unity and stability, calling on citizens to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with prayers for wisdom, courage and fairness in leadership.

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Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, Shettima said the fasting period serves as a reminder that power and authority are temporary, while accountability before God is permanent.

“In the presence of Allah, the distance between the mighty and the unknown vanishes. What remains is character, accountability and what we did with the trust placed in our hands,” he said.

He urged Muslims to uphold the lessons learned during Ramadan even after the holy month ends, warning against returning to habits that promote division, anger and injustice.

The Vice President also called on leaders at all levels to see authority as a responsibility rather than a privilege, stressing that national development depends not only on policies but on integrity and fear of God.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of the State House Mosque, Sheikh Abdulwaheed Suleiman Abubakar, prayed for peace, national progress and the success of government policies, urging leaders to discharge their duties with sincerity and the fear of Allah.