Borno: Muslims observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers amidst tight security

Muslim faithful in Maiduguri, the Borno capital, on Friday observed the Eid-el-Fitr congregation peacefully amidst tightened security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that vehicular movements were restricted in the state for a certain period in order to avert any unsuspected incident, especially during the congregation prayers.

The Police Command in the state had announced a total ban on vehicular movements during the prayer time from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m, resulting in the closure of most roads in the metropolis.

A combined personnel comprising the conventional police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Civilian Joint Task Force were also deployed to all prayer grounds to screen worshippers.

Gov. Babagana Zulum, alongside the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Umar Elkanemi, led thousands of Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

Other dignitaries in the congregation included the stste Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur; the Minister of State for Agriculture, Malam Mustapha Shehuri; and the APC National Vice Chairman (North), Alhaji Abubakar Kyari.

Two raka’at prayer was led by the Imam Eidain of Borno, Shettima Saleh, at Ramat Square, Borno’s central Eid ground.

Delivering his Eid sermon, Shettima admonished the faithful on the importance of six days fasting in the month of Shawwal.

He also offered prayers for the restoration of total peace in Borno, the Northeast region and the entire country.

Meanwhile, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, hosted an annual Sallah durbar to mark the Eid celebration.

NAN reports that the Durbar festival, which is an age-long tradition, was observed on Sallah day with district heads, village and ward heads, among other title holders and royal families, march pass on horses adorned with traditional regalia. (NAN)