The President Bola Tinubu administration is determined to secure the safe return of children and other citizens currently held by bandits and terrorists.

Vice President Kashim Shettima says the administration was determined to overcome the nation’s security challenges.

Shettima states that President Tinubu remains firmly committed to restoring peace, security and stability across the country, urging citizens to continue to pray for the nation’s unity and progress.

He said this in Abuja shortly after a special Jummat prayer held at the National Mosque as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

His assurance came as the police debunked reports of the death of one of the abducted girls from some Oyo schools on 15th May, warning against misinformation on the sensitive issue.

Private schools in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State were shut yesterday in solidarity with their counterparts from public schools who are expressing displeasure over the abduction of 47 people including pupils, students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

He stressed that despite prevailing challenges, the government would not relent in its efforts to restore normalcy across the country.

“I want to assure Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment towards restoring peace and stability in the nation.

“No matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn. Stormy as the weather may be, it will not rain forever.

“The government remains irrevocably committed to restoring peace and stability in the nation,” Shettima said.

The Vice President also called on Nigerians to pray for one another and for the country, noting that the ties binding the nation together remain stronger than the differences among its people.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of past heroes whose efforts helped secure and sustain the democratic system currently enjoyed by Nigerians, describing Democracy Day as a period for reflection and renewed commitment to national development.

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Haroun Eze, urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and steadfast in defending the country’s unity and democratic values.

The cleric appealed to leaders at all levels to take decisive steps to tackle insecurity and guarantee peace across the country, stressing that security remains a prerequisite for development and the welfare of citizens.

Among dignitaries at the event were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Others included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and the outgoing JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede.