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The government of Bauchi State has lifted its ban placed on religious gathering in the state.
The state government had imposed the ban in April in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus but with the new decision, muslim residents in the state will now be opportune to celebrate the Eid-el- Fitri celebrations and also attend Jumu’at prayers on Friday.
The announcement was made by the state Governor, Bala Mohammed on Wednesday at a stakeholder meeting held with traditional rulers, religious leaders and security agencies held at the Banquet Hall, Command Guest House in Bauchi, the state capital.
Mohammed said the state took the decision to relax the partial lockdown after considering the recent declaration by the World Health Organization, WHO that the disease may not go soon and the fact that other states in the Northeast have lifted their ban.
Stating that the relaxation of the ban on religious gathering was just for two weeks, the governor gave certain conditions that religious leaders in the state must adhere, which include compulsory use of face masks by members, provision of hand sanitiser and running water as well as observing physical distancing at the worship centres.
He added that the level of compliance with the conditions would be reviewed after the expiration of the two weeks.
Meridian Spy reported Monday, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC expressed worry over reopening of mosques in some states despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the MURIC director, in a statement issued on Monday, said such decision “may not be wise enough” and advised authorities of mosques across the nation to stay on the side of caution.
Akintola suggested that mosques should remain closed until the Federal Government declares the country safe from the pandemic.
As at Tuesday, May 19, Nigeria had recorded 6,401 cases of #COVID19, with 1,734 total recoveries and 192 deaths.
Bauchi however recorded two new cases yesterday Tuesday and now has a total of 224 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
