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 on the heels of the state government’s meeting with stakeholders including religious leaders, traditional rulers and security agencies in the state.
Recall that some irate youth had set a police station on fire after a religious leader held a Juma’at prayer following the social distancing order .
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, clerics (Imams) were admonished to avoid prolonged sermons 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.
