Buhari mobbed at Eid prayers

A mob of youths overwhelmed President Muhammadu Buhari’s security at National Eid Ground in Abuja where he had gone for eid prayers.

In comments later to a delegation of FCT residents on traditional sallah homage at Aso Rock Villa, the president described the mob of youths as wild.

He described scenes in which he was “bombarded” during and immediately after the prayer by the youths who wanted to see him.

He said the situation forced him to “hold tight” his gown to enter his vehicle.

He narrated: “Today during and immediately after the prayers I think I was bombarded by the youths who almost overwhelmed the security, and I had to hold tight to my gown to get into my car. I was advised to enter the car from the ADC side and I refused. I went across trying to hold my hand to the wild youths who wanted to see me.”

He restated that only God, not all the policemen and soldiers deployed since 6.00am before he came out two hours later in the rain, can guarantee protection.

“On an occasion like this, it shows that after what happened to President Ronald Reagan of the USA. It is only God Almighty that protects leaders because in a mob like this, anybody with a sharp knife can get access and do a lot of damage.

“So, all the policemen that were deployed and soldiers since six o’ clock in the morning before I came out two hours later in the rains, cannot protect you, only God protects. I hope God will continue to protect us”, the president said.

The delegation, which was led by Permanent Secretary of the FCT Ministry, John Chukwu, comprised the National Security Adviser, General Babagaba Monguno (rtd), the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase; among others.

Buhari told the delegation: “Please, convey my thanks and happy Sallah to all your families and relatives back. And I congratulate you for the privilege you have which is only you residents of the FCT that have the privilege to come and meet me and shake hands with me and take picture with me. Other Nigerians are envious of you if you don’t know it.”

Muslims in Kubwa, a satellite in Abuja, defied rains Friday morning to attend eid prayers.

The prayers, which held at the Eid Praying Ground, Phase 3, Kubwa, Abuja, saw a large turnout of gaily dressed Muslim faithful, most of who got drenched in the rains.

Imam Abdurrahim Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Kubwa, in his sermon, enjoined Muslims to draw from the lessons of Ramadan and continue to live responsible lives.

“The days of Ramadan were made lively through fasting and increased remembrance of Allah, while its nights were lightened through night prayers, and people retained an expected kind of behaviour.

“Ramadan has left us with several lessons, like truthfulness, piety, justice, patience and goodness, and all these should be retained afterwards.

The Imam decried the spate of insurgency in the country and urged the government to take decisive steps to end the scourge.

“Boko Haram is a major challenge to Islam and we urge government to take the necessary steps in ensuring that the menace is ended and its perpetrators and sponsors brought to book.

“It is also necessary for parents to pay more attention to proper upbringing of their children.’’

Also speaking, Muhammed Mahmoud, the Chairman, Kubwa Muslims’ Community, said, “It is actually a bitter-sweet feeling because, though we are celebrating the Eid el-Fitr, so many people have been thrown into mourning by these wicked people.

“We can only pray that Allah accept the souls of the departed in paradise, and assist us in eliminating these insurgents for good,’’ he said.