By Sunday Stephen

Ahead of his trip to Maiduguri, Borno State capital, Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep grief over the killing of 25 persons in multiple explosions that rocked the city on Monday.
The Vice President declared that no religion justifies the killing of innocent people, stressing that the sanctity of human life remains a core principle across all major faiths.
Speaking on Tuesday at the closing of the Annual Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja, Shettima prayed for the victims, asking Almighty Allah to grant them eternal rest and admit them into Aljannah Firdaus, while also giving their families the strength to bear the devastating loss.
He did not mince words in condemning the attackers, praying for divine intervention against terrorism.
“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 He grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.
“May Allah bring this madness to an end. No religion sanctions the killing of the innocent. Whatever is motivating them, may Allah either guide them to the right path or vanish them from the surface of the earth,” he said.
Shettima also urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers for the nation, calling for divine guidance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration to lead with wisdom, courage, sincerity, and fairness.
Reflecting on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, the Vice President reminded Muslims that power is temporary and accountability before Allah is inevitable.
“In the presence of Allah, the distance between the mighty and the unknown disappears. What remains is character, accountability, and what we have done with the trust placed in our hands,” he stated.
He stressed that gatherings like the Ramadan Tafsir serve as a moral compass for leaders, helping to curb arrogance and reinforce the importance of conscience in governance.
As Ramadan draws to a close, Shettima challenged the faithful to sustain the values of the holy month beyond fasting and prayers.
“The question is not whether Ramadan is ending, but whether its lessons will live on in us. It is easy to be righteous in moments of devotion; the real test is carrying those values into everyday life — in our homes, workplaces, and positions of authority,” he said.
He warned against slipping back into destructive habits such as bitterness, reckless speech, and division, urging Nigerians to embody compassion, discipline, and unity.
“Nigeria needs homes where children see good examples before they hear good advice. Our nation needs leaders who understand that influence is a trust, not a license,” he added.
The Vice President also paid tribute to the Chief Imam of the State House Mosque, Sheikh Abdulwaheed Suleiman Abubakar, for his leadership during the Tafsir, commending his wisdom and calm guidance.
Earlier, the cleric prayed for lasting peace, national development, and the success of the Tinubu administration, urging leaders at all levels to govern with the fear of Allah for the progress of the country.