NEWS: Muslims shun COVID-19 protocols at Bauchi praying grounds

 

Despite appeals by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State to the people of his State to observe COVID-19 protocols, Muslims in Bauchi, the state capital, have flouted them, trooping out in their numbers to observe the two Rakaah Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

Mohammed had, in his goodwill message to mark this year’s celebration, warned people of the dangers of contracting COVID-19 and urged them to observe safety protocols like wearing face masks, hand washing and social-distancing.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is still around. I, therefore, appeal to you all to continue to observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of facemasks and washing your hands wherever the need arises. You should also endeavour to take the vaccine against the pandemic,” the governor admonished.

However, DAILY POST observed that unlike last year, where there was strict compliance to COVID-19 protocols at the praying grounds, the story is not the same this year.

At the Games Village praying ground, majority of the faithful shunned all COVID-19 protocols. There was no social-distancing among them as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder to observe the prayers led by Malam Idris.

It was also observed that there was no hand washing station at any of the entry points to the ground while people also did not use facemasks.

The story remained the same at the central eid praying ground at Kofar Eid area of Bauchi metropolis, where the Chief Imam of Bauchi, Alhaji Ahmed Baban Inna, led the prayer.

Mohammed led top government functionaries, including commissioners, advisers, permanent secretaries, politicians, among others, including the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, to pray at the central eid praying ground.

It was observed that a handful of faithful, including the Governor and Emir Adamu, wore their facemasks in the gathering. Social-distancing was strictly observed on the row where the Governor and the Emir stood as well as other dignitaries’.

Prayers for Nigeria’s peace and development were offered as well as for its leaders at all levels.