Kano Islamic leaders kick against opening of mosques despite increase in COVID-19 cases

The Highest Islamic decision body in Kano state, the Council of Illamas, has kicked against the decision of the Kano state governor, Umar Ganduje, to lift the ban against religious gatherings in the state.

The state governor, Umar Ganduje, on Tuesday May 19, approved the opening of worship centers across the state with an instruction that all COVID-19 precautionary measures must be adhered to by worshippers. A statement from the state government said the decision was reached after a stakeholder’s meeting with religious leaders, medical practitioners, and others.

However in a swift reaction, the Illamas say they were not consulted before this decision was taken.

Speaking to BBC Hausa, the chairman of the council, Sheik Ibrahim Khalil, said the move could jeopardize the fight against COVID-19 in the state. He has appealed to residents of the state who may want to attend the Jum’at and Eid congregational prayers this weekend, to observe the COVID-19 prevention guidelines which includes wearing of Face masks and keeping social distancing.

Kano state currently has 847 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the second-highest in the country after Lagos.