President Goodluck Jonathan says the activities of the Boko Haram sect and its tactics of terror took the nation by surprise.

Jonathan was speaking at the State House in Abuja late Tuesday night during the breaking of Ramadan fast with Muslim members of the diplomatic community.

The president regretted that attacks by the sect had resulted in the death of innocent Nigerians including security operatives.

He, however, noted that with the Federal Government’s commitment and prayers by Nigerians, the insurgency had been significantly contained.

Jonathan expressed optimism that the Ramadan period had imbued the peoples of the world with compassion and forgiveness to enable them surmount the challenges of global conflicts and wars.

Meanwhile, the president, in what appeared to be a surprise to the audience, assumed the role of an Islamic preacher, educating them on the significance of Ramadan as stated in the Qur’an.

According to him, “For all believers, the holy month of Ramadan is a time for reflection, self denial, spiritual rejuvenation and re-commitment to righteousness. It’s the time when people of the Muslim faith turn to their creator with a profound sense of piety, total submission and commitment to their faith.”

Leader of the diplomatic community, Cameroon’s Ambassador Sallahdeen Ibrahim, commended Jonathan for his continuous participation in the breaking of fast exercise and prayed God guide him to continue to provide good governance in Nigeria.

•Story excerpted from a Daily Trust report. •Photo shows President Jonathan.