Convid 19, Bauchi state governor suspends religious, social gathering

From: Ruth Yarnap, Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has on Thursday announced suspension of congregational prayers including Friday Muslim payers, Sunday church services and social gatherings in the state with effect from Thursday 23rd of this month.

The Governor disclosed this in a state wide broadcast saying that the government has banned commercial motorcyclists in the state.

Regarding the ban on commercial motorcyclists, the Governor promised to establish a scheme for operators to cushion the effects, adding that a revolving fund would be created to enable them purchase commercial tricycles to remain in business.

According to him,the almajiri system would cease to operate in the state as they pose serious health challenges in the outbreak of COVID19.

He said that his administration would use the NYSC camp in Wailo as isolation centre for almajiri where efforts would be made to establish contacts with their parents and guardians.

The governor said that all market activities in the state has been suspended except essential food items such as grain and vegetables. Other restricted areas include departmental stores, pharmacies and supermarkets

According him ,the partial lockdown would have a human face; adding that market activities would however be allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 2:00 pm.

Speaking on Ramadan, he promised that government would sponsor all Tafsir programmes on radio and television and enjoined Muslims to stay at home

The Governor then appealed that all physical prayers during the Ramadan, including Tafsir, Tarawihe (night prayers), Tahajut are banned saying that Muslim faithful should remain at home for the prayers.