The highly anticipated national prayer session, set for Saturday, August 10, at Isyaka Rabi’u’s Mosque in Goron Dutse, Kano state, has been unexpectedly cancelled due to security concerns. This decision has left many disappointed, as the event was expected to draw a significant crowd from across the region.
Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan, the Coordinator of the national prayer against hardship and bad governance, announced the cancellation. He expressed deep regret over the situation, highlighting the importance of public safety in light of recent intelligence reports.
According to an official statement released on Friday, the cancellation was based on warnings from key security officials, including the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state, Alhassan Muhammad. Their reports indicated a potential threat to the gathering.
Lawan cited concerns about “evil forces” who allegedly planned to disrupt the peaceful assembly. These security alerts suggested that some miscreants might attempt to exploit the large crowd for their own gain, potentially leading to chaos similar to what occurred during the national protest on August 1st.
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To avoid a repeat of such disturbances, the organizers deemed it necessary to cancel the event. Lawan emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of public safety, urging attendees to prioritize their well-being over the gathering.
He encouraged the general public to remain in their local mosques and continue with their scheduled prayers. Lawan reassured everyone that the essence of the prayer could be fulfilled regardless of location, stating, “Allah hears us wherever we are.”
The cancellation has sparked disappointment among many who were looking forward to participating in the prayer session. The event was anticipated to be a unifying moment for the community, drawing individuals from various backgrounds to come together in prayer.
Despite the disappointment, Lawan reiterated the importance of adhering to safety protocols. The organizers are committed to ensuring that public gatherings do not compromise the safety of participants.
As the situation develops, Lawan and the organizers remain in close communication with security agencies to monitor any potential threats. They are determined to uphold the safety and security of the community above all else.
In conclusion, while the cancellation of the prayer session is regrettable, the decision reflects a necessary precaution in light of security concerns. The organizers hope that the public will understand the rationale behind this choice and continue to engage in prayer from their respective locations.
