COVID-19: Kano Government Cancels Sallah Durbar

Kano State Government has cancelled the traditional Sallah durbar and all other festivities.

The measure is coming a week after the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 placed six states, including Kano, on red alert due to resurgence of COVID-19.

The state commissioner for information, Malam Muhammad Garba, who announced this, however, said that the Eid Prayers would be held in all the five Emirates and mosques across the state.

He said the development was part of measure adopted by Nigeria, like most parts of the African continent now facing a COVID-19 third wave after detecting the more transmissible Delta variant.

Garba said the red alert allows authorities in the affected states to restrict celebrations and gatherings to a minimum, particularly the traditional Durbar (Hawan Sallah), which is marked by colourful horse riding events and watched by large gatherings.

The commissioner also urged the public to observe the safety protocols that involve the use of face masks, hand washing, and distancing during Eid prayer.