The Chief Imam of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Husein Eleje, has called on Nigerians to uphold the sanctity of human life above all other considerations, condemning the rise in violent and ritual killings across the country.
Delivering a homily during Eid-el-Kabir prayers held at the Eid Prayer Ground in Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu, on Friday, Eleje emphasized that human life is sacred and must be treated as such.
He said, “Almighty Allah will never approve such unnecessary waste of blood, especially as it concerns human lives, which He holds dearly.”
Drawing from the Holy Quran, Eleje cited the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who fully obeyed Allah’s instruction to sacrifice his son but was ultimately stopped by divine intervention.
“At the point of carrying out the instruction; Almighty Allah told him not to lay his hands on the lad and He (Almighty Allah) provided a ram in replacement of the son (human).”
“This account in the Holy Quran clearly points out that Almighty Allah does not take pleasure in any form of killings or sacrifice, which involves taking a human life.”
He stressed that all believers should emulate God’s example by doing everything possible to “protect, preserve, and prioritise human lives in order to make it better than we met it.”
The cleric further described Eid-el-Kabir as a celebration of love, sacrifice, and charity, highlighting the depth of Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and total trust in Allah.
“It is a season to share love and give to your neighbours, especially to the less privileged,” he said.
“It is a time of sacrifice, when one should give and render selfless services that might cost him or her fortune, time and comfort.”
Lt.-Col. Eleje emphasized that peace and development in communities can only be achieved when individuals, especially leaders, make sacrifices for the common good.
He also urged Muslim faithful to remain obedient to constituted authorities and to pray for national leaders, so they may lead with wisdom and the fear of God.
> “We must continue to obey and pray for all constituted authorities for Almighty Allah’s sound health, wisdom, and understanding to lead with His fear.”
The Imam offered prayers for President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, and all military commanders and troops.
The highpoint of the celebration was the symbolic slaughter of ram.
