Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of 25 people following multiple explosions in different parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
The Vice President spoke on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the Annual Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja.
He prayed for the repose of the victims, asking Almighty Allah to grant them eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus and give their families the strength to bear the painful loss.
Shettima condemned the attacks, stressing that no religion supports the killing of innocent people, noting that the sanctity of human life is a fundamental principle shared by all major faiths.
“May the souls of the 25 innocent people who lost their lives in Maiduguri rest in peace. May Allah grant them Aljannah Firdaus and give their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
“May Allah bring this violence to an end. No religion permits the killing of innocent people. Whatever is driving these acts, may Allah guide those responsible to the right path or bring an end to their actions.”
The Vice President also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the nation, emphasizing the need for divine guidance for leaders at all levels, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of his administration.
Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, Shettima said the holy month serves as a reminder that power is temporary and that all individuals remain accountable to their Creator.
“In the presence of Allah, the difference between the powerful and the ordinary disappears. What truly matters is character, accountability, and how we manage the trust placed in our hands,” he said.
He added that gatherings like the Tafsir help instill humility in public officials and remind them that national development is built not only on policies but also on conscience, restraint, and fear of Allah.
Shettima called on Muslims to uphold the lessons of Ramadan beyond the fasting period, urging them to sustain discipline, compassion, and moral conduct in their daily lives.
“The real test is not the end of Ramadan, but whether its lessons will continue to guide us afterward. It is easy to be devout during the holy month, but the challenge is to maintain those values in everyday life,” he noted.
Drawing further lessons from Ramadan, the Vice President said acts of worship must be complemented by service to humanity, adding that faith without positive action remains incomplete.
He warned against returning to negative habits such as bitterness, reckless speech, and indifference, stressing that Nigerians must strive to build a more united and morally upright society.
According to him, the country needs homes where children are shaped by good examples, as well as leaders who understand that influence is a responsibility, not a privilege.
Shettima also commended the Chief Imam of the State House Mosque, Abdulwaheed Suleiman Abubakar, for his dedication in leading the Tafsir sessions with wisdom and calmness.
Earlier, the Chief Imam offered prayers for lasting peace, national development, and the success of government policies, urging leaders across all levels to carry out their duties with sincerity and the fear of Allah for the progress of the nation.



