Due to recent security issues in Kano State and the widespread destruction and vandalism that followed the EndBadGovernment protests, an organized national prayer session planned for Saturday has been canceled.
Initially set for August 10 at Isyaka Rabi’u’s Mosque in Goron Dutse, Kano, the event’s cancellation was announced by Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan, the Coordinator of the National Prayer. Lawan expressed his deep regret over the security situation that the prayer was intended to address in the pursuit of national peace and stability.
In a statement released on August 9, Lawan explained that the cancellation was based on intelligence reports from Kano State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Alhassan Muhammad. These reports suggested that the prayer session could be hijacked, potentially leading to further unrest.
The security officials had warned of a possible threat from “evil forces” intending to disrupt the peaceful gathering. Lawan noted, “We have received information that some troublemakers are planning to infiltrate the event and use it to their advantage.”
It is feared that these individuals might incite youths to engage in looting and other disturbances, reminiscent of the chaos on August 1, the day the national protests began.
As a result, the decision was made to cancel the event to prevent potential disorder. Lawan advised the public to continue their prayers at their local mosques and reassured them that prayers are effective regardless of location.
He also urged caution against unfamiliar individuals carrying suspicious items and emphasized the importance of persistent prayers for the nation’s welfare. “Let us pray earnestly for our country’s betterment,” he said, expressing hope that collective prayers would aid in achieving peace and stability in Nigeria.