President Muhmmadu Buhari on Friday escaped a mob at the Eid prayer ground in Abuja, as excited youths got desperate to catch a glimpse of him.
The President had joined Muslim faithful in the city to observe the Eid prayers, marking the end of the Ramadan fast.
To protect their principal, the Body Guards advised that he should get into his car through the ADC’s side but the President declined.
According to President Buhari, he had to hold on tight to his ‘agbada’ as he rushed into the car to avoid what happened to a former American President Ronald Reagan.
President Buhari narrated his experience when Vice President Yemi Osinbajo led residents of the Federal Capital Territory to his residence to pay the traditional Sallah homage.
He said: “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 agbada to get to my car.
“I was advised to enter the car from the ADC’s side and I refused.
“I went across trying to wave my hand to the wild youths who wanted to see me.
“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.”
Buhari thanked top government officials who were in the delegation for the visit, saying: “I thank you most sincerely for fulfilling the tradition of greetings for whoever occupies this place.
“I thank you very much for your loyalty to the country, as represented by our institutions and to the system.”
Vice President Osinbajo commended President Buhari for giving an enabling environment for peaceful coexistence in the country.
According to him: “Our country is one with a great potential.
“We should contribute our quota to its development and in no time, we will see a great change.
“All of us will enjoy this nation.
“Even our children and grandchildren will enjoy the good of the land.”
On the delegation were the FCT Permanent Secretary, Obinna Chukwu, and other top officials.