The Chairman of Borno state high-powered committee on prevention and
control of coronavirus (COVID-19) Umar Kadafur; has directed Muslims
to perform their Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the eid open grounds.
The decision to pray at Eid prayer grounds; was taken on Wednesday
after consultations with Islamic clerics and resolved to conduct it in
the open.
The State’s COVID-19 response team Secretary, Dr. Salihu Kwayabura,
who doubles as the Health Commissioner, disclosed this in a statement
Thursday in Maiduguri.
“The Committee wishes to appreciate the cooperation and commitment of
all towards the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the state,” he
said.
There was however; disagreement between the Sultan of Sokoto and some
Governors in the North over how the Eid-el-Fitr prayers should be
conducted at the weekend.
President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs
(NSCIA), Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar has directed Muslims to observe the Eid
prayers at homes and not in the open.
According to him, the prayers at homes; are parts of Muslims’
adherence to COVID-19 protocols to prevent its further spread into
various communities across the country.
Besides Governors’ directives conduct prayers in the open, some of
them have already eased the lockdown to allow Muslims conduct their
“congregational prayers” in ending the Ramadan fast.
“The public may observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the designated Eid
grounds between the hours of 8-10 am on that day,” said Dr. Kwayabura.
On preventative measures during Eid prayers, he said: “In furtherance
of measures of infection prevention, the committee has made available
hand sanitizers at strategic points for use by the public,”
He therefore; urged the public to take full advantage of the COVID-19
preventative measures against the deadly virus that claimed over a
dozen lives.
According to him; there should be strict adherence to use of face
masks and social distancing, while praying in the open grounds.
He also advised persons above 60 years with chronic medical conditions
such as diabetes mellitus, asthma or chronic respiratory disease and
acute febrile illnesses should refrain from attending Eid prayers.
