VICE President Kashim Shettima yesterday assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to secure the safe return of children and other citizens currently being held by bandits and terrorists.
News Point Nigeria reports that speaking in Abuja shortly after a special Jummat prayer held at the National Mosque as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration, the Vice President also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to overcome the nation’s security challenges.
Shettima’s assurance came amid growing concern over insecurity across the country and as the police debunked reports claiming that one of the girls abducted from schools in Oyo State on May 15 had died, warning against the spread of misinformation on the sensitive matter.
The development also coincided with the closure of private schools in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State in solidarity with their counterparts in public schools, who have been expressing displeasure over the abduction of 47 people, including pupils, students and teachers, from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing journalists after the prayer session, Shettima said President Tinubu remains firmly committed to restoring peace, security and stability across Nigeria, while urging citizens to continue praying for the nation’s unity, peace and progress.
He stressed that despite the prevailing security challenges, the government would not relent in its efforts to restore normalcy across the country.
“I want to assure Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment towards restoring peace and stability in the nation.
“No matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn. Stormy as the weather may be, it will not rain forever.
“The government remains irrevocably committed to restoring peace and stability in the nation,” Shettima said.
The Vice President also called on Nigerians to continue praying for one another and for the country, noting that the bonds uniting Nigerians remain stronger than the differences that may exist among them.
He further acknowledged the sacrifices made by past national heroes whose efforts contributed to securing and sustaining the democratic system currently enjoyed by Nigerians.
According to him, Democracy Day provides an opportunity for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to national development and democratic ideals.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Haroun Eze, urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and steadfast in defending the country’s unity and democratic values.
The cleric also appealed to leaders at all levels of government to take decisive measures to tackle insecurity and guarantee peace across the country, stressing that security remains a critical requirement for development and the welfare of citizens.
Among the dignitaries who attended the event were AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State; Mohammed Idris; Gboyega Oyetola; and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Others present included Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed, Abubakar Kyari, and Ishaq Oloyede.
The Democracy Day prayer gathering focused on national unity, security, democratic consolidation and collective efforts to overcome the challenges facing the country, with participants offering prayers for peace, stability and progress across Nigeria.