From Dauda Iliya, Borno
The eid prayers was observed peacefully amidst tight security in all the prayer grounds in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
At the Ramat Square eid ground, muslim faithful turned out in their numbers to observe the two unit prayers despite the restriction of vehicular movement.
The heavily deployed security personnel had to struggle with the surging crowd of worshippers at the entrance of eid ground in an effort to forestall any security breach.
Borno state acting Governor Alhaji Umar Kadafur, former Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima, Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi were among the dignitaries that attended the prayers.
In a sermon after the two unit prayers, Imam Idaini of Borno Shettima Mamman Saleh expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.
He admonished muslim faithful to sustain the lessons learned during the holy month and refrain from engaging in acts capable of attracting the wrath of Almighty Allah.
Imam Shettima Saleh also enjoined muslims to fast six days in the month of shawwal, give alms to the needy and continue to pray, as prayer was the key to addressing the current security challenges bedevelling the country.
In a Sallah message, acting Governor Umar kaddafur lauded the resilience of people of Borno for coming out in their numbers despite the security threats.
He said deliberate measures had been taken by government and security agencies to address the security challenges in the state.
Special prayer was offered for lasting peace in the state and the country.
Our correspondent reports that this year’s eid prayer witnessed large turn out of muslim faithfuls thereby making the observance of covid-19 protocols difficult.
