Kwara cancels Eid prayers, rolls out safety measures

The Kwara State Government, on Friday, announced the cancellation of Eid congregational prayers across the state, citing the steep rise in the state’s Covid-19 cases and the danger of such a large gathering worsening the situation.

According to 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 placed a ban on vigils in churches and mosques, while restating the ban on concerts, clubbing, beer.

The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the COVID-19 committee, Kayode Alabi, who spoke at a press briefing in Ilorin, said the decision to cancel the Eid prayers was “painful but 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.