By FRONTLINE REPORTERS
President Bola Tinubu on Friday delivered a strong message against violence, banditry and ethnic division as he joined thousands of Muslim faithful for Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks, Lagos Island.
The President, flanked by top government officials and political leaders, urged Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance and national unity, insisting that no religion supports the killing of innocent people.
Among dignitaries who observed the Eid prayers alongside Tinubu were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu; and former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
Addressing journalists shortly after the prayers, Tinubu thanked Allah for preserving Nigerians to witness another Eid celebration and called on citizens to reflect deeply on the lessons of sacrifice, compassion and peaceful coexistence.
“We thank Almighty Allah for His mercy and for keeping us alive to witness another Eid,” the President said.
“We must learn from the lessons of this season, and the greatest lesson is love for one another.”
In what appeared to be a direct message to violent groups and criminal elements terrorising parts of the country, Tinubu declared that Islam and every true faith reject bloodshed and lawlessness.
“There should be no discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred,” he stated firmly.
“We should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and our common humanity.”
The President stressed that obedience to God must also translate into respect for the rule of law and peaceful living among citizens.
“It is essential that we are tolerant, obedient to the will of Allah and obedient to the rule of law, which must guide our society,” he added.
Speaking on Nigeria’s security challenges, Tinubu condemned banditry and killings, insisting that criminality has no religious justification.
“On the issue of insecurity, nowhere in the teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or kill another human being,” the President warned.
His remarks come amid rising concerns over insecurity across parts of the country, including recent attacks and kidnappings in several states.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command — a lesson widely associated with faith, sacrifice and submission to divine will.
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2026-05-25