Our Reporter

The Kano State government has announced the suspension of Eid-el-Kabir festivities in the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Muhammad Garba yesterday in Kano.

The Federal Government, on Saturday, placed six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on red alert as part of the preventive measures against a third wave of COVID-19.

The states are Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano and Plateau.

Garba said only Eid prayers would be performed at mosques in the five Emirates across the state.

“The development was part of measures by Nigeria like most African countries currently facing a threat of the COVID-19, after detecting the more transmissible Delta variant,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that the red alert would allow authorities in the affected states to restrict gatherings to a minimum, particularly the traditional durbar celebrations.

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He appealed to the public to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols which include the use of face masks, hand washing, and physical distancing during the Eid prayers.

In a related development, the Zazzau Emirate has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Kabir procession.

The Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli announced the cancellation of Eid-el-Kabir procession in Zaria in compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols.

The royal father made the announcement while briefing reporters in his palace in Zaria yesterday.

The Federal Government had put six states and FCT on red alert to ensure a safe and healthy nationwide Eid-el-Kabir celebration following the confirmation of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

The six states are Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the Emir, the council has adopted the measures due to the resurgence of third-wave COVID-19 as many emirate councils in the country had similarly cancelled the procession.

The cancellations were done in an effort to preserve the health of the people.

The Emir, therefore, advised the people to adhere to COVID-19 prevention protocols as advised by medical experts.

Bamalli also criticised the economic challenges being experienced by his subjects. He appealed to the government at all levels to provide more ways of addressing the challenges.

He added that addressing the challenges would similarly impact the security in the area.

He commended various religious leaders for their prayers toward restoring peace in the emirate and enjoined the residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the nearest authority.

Bamalli, who commended the state government for various developmental projects in the emirate and the state at large, also appealed to the state government to improve the Zaria Water Project toward enhancing water supply in Zaria.

The Emir also urged parents to watch their wards closely as the Muslims got set for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.