Thousands of Kano residents on Friday joined Muslim faithful globally to observe Eid-el-Kabir prayers peacefully.

  However, amid heavy security, the 15th and 16th Emirs of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II respectively, led separate worshipers to observe the two unit supererogatory prayers in the ancient city. 

  This came as Sanusi II heeded the advice by security agents and announced the suspension of Sallah Durbar in Kano, alleging threat to his life.  

  While Bayero joined hundreds of residents who converged on the Nassarawa mini palace to say the Sallah prayers, Sanusi II, accompanied by district heads and traditional title holders and government functionaries, led thousands of worshipers at the Kofar-mater Central Eid Ground. 

  At Nassarawa mini palace, Sarkin Malamai, Malam Kamalu Inuwa, who led the supererogatory prayers, urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice.

  Kamalu admonished the Muslim community to maintain the virtues of patience, perseverance and love in their endeavours, urging worshippers to remain steadfast in their good deeds.

  Shortly after leading the prayers, Sanusi II called on the people of the state to intensify their cooperation with security agencies in the fight against insecurity, particularly the surge in thuggery across the state.

  The emir called for a united front against enemies of disunity and promoters of violence in Kano.  

  He further urged residents to uphold peaceful coexistence, stressing that Kano has long been known for its harmony and mutual respect among diverse groups.

  “I call on all citizens to continue to support our security forces. The fight against violence, especially the recent increase in gang activities in some parts of Kano, requires unity and vigilance from all of us. We must not allow violence and division to destroy the legacy of peace our forefathers built,” he said.

  The Emir also used the occasion to remind parents of their critical role in raising responsible children. He said the moral upbringing of the younger generation is essential in preventing them from falling into criminal activities and gang influences.

  “We must all ensure that our children are properly guided. A good upbringing begins at home, and it is the foundation of a just and peaceful society,” he said.

    A joint security command in Kano had last Wednesday declared a total ban on all Sallah activities, including horse ride, car race and other Durbar related congregation citing security threat.

  At a special broadcast on the eve of Sallah at his palace, Sanusi II said that the suspension became necessary to safeguard the peace and tranquility the city enjoys, coupled with the fact that intelligence reports revealed possible attacks on his person.

    “We have credible intelligence reports that some youths around Zage and Kofar Wambai have been actively mobilised by some unpatriotic politicians to attack us.

  “Therefore, we are directing all our District Heads, Wards and Village Heads to strictly adhere to the postponement and stay in their location to avoid any unforeseen circumstances,” he said.