BOKO HARAM: How Sokoto celebrated Sallah in anxiety

Posted by admin Boko Haram, Latest Politics, Religion, Sokoto, State News Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

It was not a usual celebration for fun seekers in Sokoto state during the just concluded El-el-fitr feast. The El-el-fitr is usually celebrated among Muslim faithful to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

But the relatively lowkey fanfare among families in the ‘seat of the caliphate’ was a true indication that there are anxieties in the land over the recent insecurity in the country. Daily Sun gathered that on the eve of sallah, there were speculations that some public buildings were penned down for possible attack on the El-el-fitr day by Boko Haram men. No thanks to their recent attack on UN building in Abuja.

The palatial palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, state police command headquarters, Government House and mammy markets were other public places suspected to be targets for such attack.
Some residents admitted that this year’s festival could not be celebrated due to security challenges. Musty Balarabe, events organizer: “What is happening in the country has regard to the nefarious activities perpetrated by some faceless people have called for caution in organizing any public gathering. Unlike last year that we staged many shows without fear of insecurity, this year Sallah was not the same due to these challenges.”

A resident of Mainanata, Sokoto metropolis, Haliru Danladi: “We are aware that some people were planning to attack some places. So, I decided not to take my children and other members of my family to recreational centers.”

Barely a month ago, unknown gunmen killed four police officers and two civilians at Tambuwal Local Government of the state, about 90 kilometres drive from the state capital. Residents feared such attack could be the beginning of nefarious acts in the state.

However with heavy security, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, paid his traditional sallah homage to Governor Aliyu Wammako as part of activities to mark the end of Ramadan month. Wammako pledged to work with the Sultanate to ensure peace and stability in the state. He also promised to uplift the standard of living of the people, irrespective of political party differences.

-Sunwp_posts