The governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has warned violent persons that the state’s security forces will brutally punish those who pose a danger to harmony. In Suleja, where he was among thousands of Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the governor issued the warning.
Bago warned individuals who choose violence to repent or face the full force of the law in his speech immediately following the two-unit congregational prayers that mark the end of Ramadan.
Security forces are on high alert and ready to react decisively to any threat, he added, emphasising that his administration will not stand for anything that could destabilise the state’s relative calm.
No matter their ethnicity or religion, the governor emphasised that Muslims should always obey the law and live by the principles of love, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Attended by the Emir of Suleja, Muhammadu Awwal Ibrahim, and other high-ranking government officials, the Salanke of Zazzau, Suleja, Malam Abdullahi Kasim, presided over the Eid prayers.
Awwal Ibrahim, Emir of Suleja, praised the governor for joining in the festivities and urged the people to keep praying for national and state unity, prosperity, and peace.