Sultan of Sokoto has challenged the military to adopt a more aggressive approach against terrorists following recent bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The Sultan made the call while declaring today Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting on Wednesday night.
On Monday, 23 people were killed with over 100 injured, after bombs went off at three different locations including a market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and the Post Office flyover in the Borno State capital.
Abubakar condemned the attacks and urged the military and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts in tackling terrorism.
“Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Don’t wait for them to strike before defending or finding remedies. This you must do so that, as a nation of great people, we can have peace in our country. We condemn this new wave of bomb attacks in the strongest terms of condemnation and charge that the military and other security and intelligence agencies should step up their effort by nipping these terrorism and insurgency problems in the bud.”
The Sultan said the attacks are against Islamic teachings, adding that the government should show strong political will to protect lives and decisively tackle criminal elements nationwide.
“We have always condemned this thing. It is un-Islamic, and we insist it is not recognised by Islam and should not be attributed to Islam.
The government should summon the political willpower that is required to provide effective security and safety for all people, regardless of their religious and tribal considerations, to stamp out these criminal elements, not only from the north but also the entire south of the country, to enable the good work being done on peaceful coexistence, unity and development.”
The Sultan advised Nigerians to continue to promote peace and unity wherever they live.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an immediate end to the wave of killings across the country, lamenting that Nigeria is ble–eding under the weight of rising insecurity and political tension.
In a Sallah message to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC urged political leaders at all levels to put aside personal ambitions and prioritise peace, warning that the continued bloodshed poses a grave threat to national stability.
The workers’ body said the sacred season, which symbolises sacrifice and submission to the will of God, should serve as a moment of deep reflection for leaders, especially in the face of worsening insecurity and recent attacks, including the Maiduguri bombings.
According to the labour centre, no political interest, religious belief or economic gain is worth the loss of human lives, stressing that the persistent killings have become a stain on the nation’s conscience.
It called on leaders from the corridors of Aso Rock to the grassroots to engage in sincere soul-searching and take decisive steps to halt the violence, noting that Nigerians deserve to live in peace and security.
NLC also cautioned politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against heating up the polity with divisive rhetoric and conflicts, even as citizens continue to suffer.
While decrying the economic hardship faced by workers and the poor, the Congress accused the political class of neglecting the masses while pursuing power struggles. It said the essence of Sallah should not be reduced to lavish celebrations by the elite while millions of Nigerians struggle to survive.
The NLC expressed hope that the Sallah celebration would mark a turning point for the country, leading to renewed commitment towards peace, security and the well-being of all citizens. It wished Muslims and all Nigerians a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to use the period to promote harmony and national unity.
“This season of sacrifice commemorates the profound submission to the will of Allah and the supreme value of life. Yet, as we celebrate, our nation bleeds. The increasing bloodletting occasioned by rampaging insecurity is a stain on our collective conscience. The recent Maiduguri bombings and associated deaths remind of the quantum of evil that has taken over our nation. As the sword of Ibrahim (AS) was stayed, we demand that the swords raised against our citizens be stayed as well.
“We call on all leaders and gatekeepers of our nation; from the corridors of Aso Rock to the local government secretariats; to use this sacred period for deep and sincere soul-searching. There is no cause, no political ambition, no religious dogma, and no economic gain that is worth the shedding of a single drop of Nigerian blood.
“The essence of Sallah is not in the opulent feasts of the powerful while the masses go hungry, but in the reaffirmation of our duty to one another. The working class and the poor have been sacrificed on the altars of primitive accumulation. We must rescue our nation from the clutches of destruction. The blood of the farmer, the trader, the butcher, and the civil servant is not a commodity to be traded for political points.
“To the political class, we issue a stern reminder; as you sharpen your knives and draw battle lines for the 2027 general elections, remember that you cannot govern ghosts. The incessant drumbeats of conflicts and the desperation for power at all costs are a distraction from the real task at hand. The highest gift you can bequeath
to the citizenry is a peaceful nation. It is only citizens that are alive and free from fear that can be governed, can vote, and can hold you accountable to build a sustainable nation.
“Let this Sallah be a turning point. Let us reject the politics of blood and embrace the politics of bread, butter, and peace. Let us use this period to build bridges, not barricades; to foster understanding, not fan the embers of hate. The unity of the working people and the masses, across all divides, the only force that can counter the forces of destruction. It is time to build a democracy that benefits our people! It is time to let workers and masses win! It is time to let Nigeria win! May this Sallah bring not just feasting, but a lasting feast of peace, justice, and security for all Nigerians,” the statement read.
