Police boss warns Nigerian Muslims not to go to prayer grounds as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri

NIGERIA'S inspector general of police Mohammed Adamu has warned that religious gatherings will not be tolerated tomorrow when Nigeria celebrates Eid-el-Fitri to mark the end of the Muslim month of Ramadan.

 

Highly religious Nigerian Muslims always celebrate the end of the fasting period with great fanfare that includes huge prayer ground gatherings, the killing of rams and massive feasts. This year, however, the celebrations will be muted due to the ban on social gatherings to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

 

Yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari said he will not host any political or religious leaders as part of the traditional homage at the presidential villa he will be celebrating quietly with his family. There is still a ban on religious gatherings across Nigeria but of late, several state governors have taken unilateral decisions to relax them despite the threat they pose to public health.

 

Warning that the authorities will deal with anyone flouting the law, Mr Adamu said religious gatherings will not be tolerated. Congratulating the Muslim faithful and all Nigerians, he also assured Nigerian citizens of adequate security during and after the 2020 Eid-el-Fitri celebrations

 

Nigeria Police Force spokesman Frank Mba, added that proactive and robust anti-crime measures, including the deployments of tactical and intelligence assets were already in place. He expressed confidence that with collective perseverance and voluntary compliance to preventive regulations, Nigeria would overcome the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Mr Adamu reminded Nigerians that the Covid-19 prevention regulation orders, inter-state movement restrictions, a national curfew and the prohibition of religious gatherings were still in force. He urged citizens to observe the Eid celebrations bearing in mind the unusual times occasioned by the outbreak of the virus.

 

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