TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the challenge of Boko Haram insurgency will be over soon.

The president gave the assurance in an Eid-el-Kabir message on Wednesday.

His statement comes a few days after Abubakar Shekau, leader of the group, accused him of deceiving Nigerians over a peace deal with the sect.

Buhari has expressed willingness to negotiate with the group in exchange for the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

“President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with  all Nigerians of the Islamic faith as they celebrate this year’s  Eid-el-Kabir,” a statement issued by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said.

“President Buhari also congratulates all Nigerian Muslims who are currently in the Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj.

“As they join the global Islamic community in celebrating Eid-El-Kabir, President Buhari urges Muslims and other Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance and internalisation of   its lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service which are for the benefit of all mankind.

“The president calls for  more  patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all  as his administration strives to lead the nation towards rapidly overcoming its current security, economic and developmental challenges.

“President Buhari assures all Nigerians that their safety, well-being and progress remain uppermost in his thoughts and actions, and that he will continue to work with all his might to deliver the positive changes in national life which they expect after his election and inauguration as head of the government of the federation.

“The president seizes this opportunity to extend heartfelt commiserations to families in Maiduguri and northeastern Nigeria who have sadly lost beloved relatives in recent terrorist attacks.

“President Buhari’s  thoughts and prayers for divine solace are with all those who have been callously plunged into mourning by mindless terrorists, when others are celebrating this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.

“The president has directed the armed forces and national security agencies to provide maximum security across the nation during Eid-El-Kabir prayers and celebrations, especially in areas most vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

“President Buhari assures all Nigerians that the days of Boko Haram are numbered.

“Boko Haram’s reign of terror in parts of the country will be finally over very soon as the ongoing military onslaught against the terrorist sect will continue relentlessly until total victory is achieved.”