The Kwara State Government has suspended the annual Sallah Durbar festival earlier scheduled for Wednesday, July 21, 2021, on security grounds.
According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Hajia Rabiat Mopelola Abdulrahman; “The suspension, painful as it is given our people’s attachment to it and government’s investments to promote this colourful cultural heritage, follows a police intelligence report which indicated that some forces plan to use the boisterous nature of the cultural event to instigate a breakdown of law and order in the state, thereby complicating national security challenges.
“Government reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property of all residents of the state, as that is its primary obligation.
“We urge all residents of the state to continue to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies.
“The government once again congratulates Kwarans on the Eid-ul-Kabir celebrations and bids everyone many blessed Eid in the coming years.”
The Durbar festival is an annual religious and equestrian celebration in several cities of Nigeria including Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zazzau, Bauchi and Bida.
The festival marks the end of Ramadan and also coincides with the Muslim festivities of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitri.
PIAK
That’s because of COVID-19 oo