By Uzor Odigbo
The Katsina State Government has lifted ban on Friday prayers in the state with immediate effect, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is coming after the state government held a stakeholders meeting with religious leaders, traditional rulers and security agencies in the state.
Recall that some irate youths had set a police station on fire after a religious leader held a Juma’at prayer following the social distancing order.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, Imams were admonished to avoid prolonged sermons in order to discharge their followers within short period.
The statement reads, “The Executive Governor has directed that the suspension of Friday prayers be lifted with immediate effect however, the prayers will be conducted under some stipulated health and security guidelines.
“The Jumu’ah Imams should however, avoid prolonged sermons in order to discharge their followers within the shortest period.
“People are also strongly advised to maintain social distancing and adhere strictly to all rules and regulations provided by the health experts in fighting the contagious disease.”
Inuwa said before Friday prayers must be conducted, there would be some stipulated health and security guidelines.
The meeting was convened to review the measures taken by the state government in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
The government also asked people to maintain social distancing and strictly adhere to all rules and regulations provided by the health experts in fighting the contagious disease.
Meanwhile, similar meeting will soon be held between the state government and Christian leaders to lift the suspension of Sunday church services.
Also expected is a meeting between the government and traditional rulers.
Curiously the ban is being lifted after the state recorded its first death on Saturday.
A medical doctor, Aliyu Yakubu, from Kogi State, died on Saturday from coronavirus at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Reference Hospital in Daura.
