BAUCHI- Thousands of Muslim faithfuls on Friday celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir prayer in a peaceful atmosphere in Bauchi, Dutse and Gombe.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thousands of Muslim faithful led by political and community leaders observed the Eid prayers in their respective communities, to mark the completion of the Hajj rituals.
Eid-el-Kabir or Eid-el-Adha, is the second of the two main festivals in Islam alongside Eid-el-Fitr. It falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar
Eid-el-Kabir, follows the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, at the time of Qurbani (sacrifice) of animals.
In Gombe State, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya alongside the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abubakar Lugerewo, Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, and thousands of worshippers, observed the prayers at the Eid Central Ground, Gombe.
In a Sallah message, Yahaya emphasised that Islam teaches peace, tolerance, modesty, love, and values, which must guide both personal conduct and the collective aspirations of the people.
He enjoined the Muslims to use the sacred occasion to offer special prayers for the peace, unity, and prosperity of the state and the country, as well as for the leaders at all levels.
“The virtues of Eid-el-Kabir, love, obedience, and sacrifice are essential to the country’s unity and fostering peaceful coexistence among Nigerians,” he said.
The governor commended traditional institutions, religious and community leaders, as well as the people of the state for their support and cooperation.
Yahaya reiterated commitment to provide quality leadership and build on existing progress.
“As we enter the final quarter of our mandate, having covered 75 per cent of our tenure, our focus remains on completing ongoing projects, initiating impactful interventions, and laying stronger foundations for the future.”
Also, the Deputy Chief Imam of the Gombe Central Mosque, Ali Hammari, admonished the Muslims to embody the virtues of Eid-el-Kabir by contributing to the nation building through obedience to lawful authorities and selfless service to others.
The cleric also prayed for a bumper harvest this season.
Moreso, Alhaji Auwal Jatau, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, and the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, led Muslim faithful in observing the Eid prayer.
Jatau described the celebrations as peaceful, adding that Bauchi is progressing on the path of a lasting peace.
“This year’s Eid-el-Kabir is one of the most peaceful and successful we have witnessed. It is a clear indication that peace is taking root in our state.
“I commend the resilience, prayers, and support of our people,” Jatau stated
Malam Bala Ahmed, the Deputy Chief Imam of Bauchi, enjoined Muslims to embrace the virtues of faith, sharing, and peaceful coexistence.
He urged them to pray for peace and tranquility in the state and the country.
“The message today is simple: we must live in peace and harmony, supporting one another regardless of our differences,” he said.
To ensure safety on the roads, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Jigawa, has scaled up special patrols to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the festivities.
The spokesman of the command, Yahaya Ibrahim, said the campaign would run fro June 5 to June 11, to check road crashes.
He said the campaign focused on RTCs reduction occasioned by the high volume of human and vehicular movement during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
According to Ibrahim, the special patrol operation is designed to provide safer road use in nooks and crannies of the state during the Sallah celebrations.
“The Command is focused on the reduction in RTC on highways through continuous public enlightenment and enforcement of road traffic rules by road users, prompt rescue services and response to distress calls, speedy removal of road obstructions, enforcement on critical offences such overloading, mixed loading, overspeeding, route violations, use of phone while driving and other offences.
“To achieve the desired goal, the command has deployed 431 personnel and 126 Special Marshals across the state, including 10-patrol vehicles, four ambulances for rescue services and a tow truck for road decongestion,” he said.
He, therefore, warned against use of phone while driving, overloading, seatbelt/child restraint use violations, passenger’s manifest violation, operation of mechanical deficient and rickety vehicles, loading of trailers with passengers, and illegal use of the py number plates. (NAN)
