COVID-19: Nasarawa bans congregational prayers during Ramadan

The Nasarawa state government has banned congregational prayers during Ramadan to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The decision was made on Monday, during a meeting, attended by security chiefs, some senior traditional rulers and other top government officials, at the instance of Abdullahi Sule, governor of the state.

Nigeria has recorded 665 confirmed cases, out of which 188 patients have been discharged while 22 persons have died.

During the meeting, a ban was placed on all congregational prayers, including the five daily obligatory prayers, Tarawih, public congregational prayers observed during Ramadan, and congregational Tahajjud, midnight prayers.

Addressing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, Sidi Bage, emir of Lafia, said the decision was made to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Bage, who is the chairman of Nasarawa state council of chiefs, said all mosques in the state have been ordered shutdown, adding that residents are advised to pray at home.

“It is the decision of government that all over the state, this Ramadan that we are approaching, there will be no congregation for Tarawih, no congregation for Tahajjud,” he said.

“In fact, the decision of the government is based on the fact that where people often congregate are those neighbourhood mosques, around where people live. The neighbourhood mosques are hereby ordered shut down. People are advised to pray at home.”

Also addressing journalists, Bola Longe, the state commissioner of police, said the law enforcement agencies will ensure compliance with the government orders.

He asked residents to be law abiding, adding that the measures were put in place to ensure maximum protection against the infectious disease.

“If you look at all the proclamations, the executive order, given by the Governor, all are geared towards protecting people’s lives against the spread of COVID-19,” he said.

Similarly, Aminu Masari, governor of Katsina state, had announced the suspension of public Ramadan prayers and Friday congregational prayers.

The federal government asked the Muslim faithful to avoid religious gatherings and continue to practise social distancing as Ramadan approaches.