Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has cancelled congregational prayer which forms part of the Eid-ul-Adha celebration slated for July 30.
Mr AbdulRazaq told journalists on Friday that the move was meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“Because of the huge numbers that are 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,” he said.
The governor noted that the decision, although a tough one, was borne out of the unprecedented jump in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Mr AbdulRazaq said in the last few days, between July 9 and July 23, the state recorded 56 per cent of its total confirmed cases. The state currently has 707 confirmed cases.
“We have successfully managed and discharged 244 patients to rejoin their families. And just yesterday, we lost another patient. That brings to 15 the number of casualties from the pandemic in our state. May God rest the souls of the departed ones and comfort their families,” he said.
The governor stated that there will be Friday prayers as have been restored but in strict compliance with the rules of physical distancing and the use of face masks.
“The Kwara Mall (ShopRite), the Amusement Park, all shops and markets are to be shut on the Eid day and the day after it. The Unilorin Zoological Garden should also be closed for those two days,” he said.
AbdulRazaq also said that following consultation with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the government has suspended vigils until further notice.
