National prayers cancelled in Kano due to security concerns

Following recent security concerns in Kano State and widespread destruction and vandalism following the EndBadGovernment protests, a national prayer session scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled.

The national prayer was originally scheduled to take place on August 10 at the Isyaka Rabi’u Mosque in Goron Dutse, Kano.

The announcement of the cancellation was made by Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan, the coordinator of the national prayer, who expressed deep regret over the security situation that had been planned to promote peace and stability in the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 9, Lawan disclosed that the decision to cancel the event was based on intelligence reports from the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state, Alhassan Muhammad.

Reports indicated that the prayer session could be hijacked and lead to further havoc in the country.

According to the statement, these security officials had alerted the organizers of a potential threat posed by “evil forces” who were planning to infiltrate the peaceful gathering.

“We have been informed that some miscreants are ready to penetrate among the law-abiding worshippers and exploit the gathering for their own benefit,” Lawan said.

“There is suspicion that they could incite some young people to engage in looting, shoplifting and other disturbances, as happened on August 1, the day the national protests began.

“We are therefore calling off the massive rally today, Friday, August 9, to avoid potential chaos in the state,” Lawan said.

He urged the general public to remain in their local mosques and continue their prayers from their location.

“Prayer can be effective wherever we are, because Allah hears us wherever we are.

“I urge the general public to be extremely cautious of any unknown individual who may be carrying suspicious items,” he warned.

Lawan urged the public to remain steadfast in their prayers for the country.

“Let us sincerely pray for the betterment of our nation,” he said, expressing hope that the collective prayers would contribute to peace and stability in Nigeria.