COVID-19: Borno State Relaxes Religious Gatherings

Churches and Mosques are now allowed to reopen in Borno state, as the ban on religious gatherings in the state has been relaxed.

While the ban on Eid prayers is still in force, churches and mosques have been asked to reopen and also to observe strict guidelines on maintaining physical distancing during service.

This was made known by Umar Kadafur, Borno state’s deputy governor and chairman of the state COVID-19 response committee, in a recently released statement.

According to him, the government would revert to “status quo” if the COVID-19 situation escalates. The statement read;

“Henceforth, Jumma’at prayers and five daily prayers shall be observed in all mosques as recommended by the Borno State Council of Ulamas in strict adherence with social distancing and the use of face masks.

“All churches shall conduct church services as recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno Chapter in strict adherence with social distancing and use of face masks.

“Government has considered the recommendation of the Borno State Council of Ulamas which clearly states that Eid prayers is Sunnah (non obligatory), hence there should be no Eid prayers. Faithfuls should remain at home during the period.”

There is still a restriction on public gathering in Borno state as only 20 people are expected to gather for events such as funeral processions, weddings, naming ceremonies.