Nigeria’s first lady Aisha Buhari has called on the Muslim faithful to use the Ramadan period to intensify prayers for lasting peace and security as bandits and unknown gunmen run amuck under President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime.

Bandits had kidnapped over 1,000 schoolchildren in one year and killed several hundreds of people on Mr Buhari’s watch in the North. The South-East has witnessed the violent menace of unknown gunmen targetting civilians and security officers.

She said God provided Nigerians with another opportunity to re-educate themselves in fasting and prayers to ensure peace and development of the country.

The first lady also urged Nigerians to extend good virtues of sharing, love, support, forgiveness and sacrifice for the betterment of mankind and Nigeria.

A known critic of her husband, Ms Buhari, made the call Tuesday night when she hosted wives of service chiefs and other top government functionaries to a Ramadan breakfast at the State House, Abuja.

Ms Buhari, while expressing her gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to witness the 2022 Ramadan, was optimistic that the period would provide Nigeria with peace and tranquillity.

The Ramadan fast is one of the five pillars of Islam, which provides an opportunity for Muslims to intensify prayers to God.

The fasting period also extends good virtues of sharing, forgiveness, love, peace and sacrifices for the betterment of society.

(NAN)