Kwara cancels Eid prayers, imposes new measures
The Kwara State Government, has yesterday due to rising cases of COVID-19 in the state, announced the cancellation of Eid congregational prayers across the state.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor and spokesman for the Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19, Rafiu Ajakaye, the government had also imposed a ban on vigils in churches and mosques. While restating that the ban on concerts, clubbing, beer parlours and hotel bars were still in place.
Deputy Governor and Chairman of the COVID-19 committee, Kayode Alabi, revealed while speaking at a press conference in Ilorin that the decision to cancel the Eid prayers though painful, was necessary to save lives.
He said, “Because of the huge numbers expected to gather for the special Eid prayers and the possibility of such gatherings leading to spike in our cases and potential deaths.
The government, in consultation with the Council of Ulamah under His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, hereby cancels congregational Eid prayers for 2020 across the whole state.”
“This is a tough decision but it was made in the interest of all of us. There will be Friday prayers as have been restored but in strict compliance with the rules of physical distancing and the use of face mask.”
He added that consultations with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria have reached a conclusion to suspend vigils till further notice, adding that church service were not to exceed two hours, and that all safety measures must be observed duly.
Speaking further, Alabi noted that the government had set up a task force to enforce the rules and compulsory use of face masks, and that this takes effect from the Eid day, July 31, 2020.
He also said that defaulters would be tried by mobile courts, and would face the appropriate sanctions as determined by the court.
Alabi also added that the Kwara Mall (popularly known as Shoprite), the amusement park, markets and the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden remained closed to the public on the Eid Day and after.
The COVID-19 committee chairman added that the Kwara Mall (popularly known as Shoprite), the amusement park, markets, and University of Ilorin Zoological Garden would be closed to the public on Eid Day and the day after.