Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari had directed the suspension of Friday prayers at all Jumu’at Mosques in the state with effect from next week. The governor also suspended the annual Ramadan public ‘Tafsir’, and ‘Tarawiy’ (Ramadan night prayers) in mosques and all other centers and public places throughout the state.
“Other decisions taken included the suspension of all activities in Cinemas, Event and Television Viewing centres in the state.”
This was made known by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Mr Mustapha Inuwa, in a statement distributed to journalists on Thursday in Katsina, said that the directive was announced during the regular review meeting on Coronavirus in the state.
The Governor has also directed the lockdown of Dutsin-ma Local Government Area with effect from 7:00a.m. on April 17, after a resident tested positive for Coronavirus.
It was gathered that Dutsinma is the second local government area to be locked down after Daura, where the first COVID-19 patient in the state died.
“A report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed one Covid-19 case in Dustin-ma town, which made it necessary to lockdown the local government area to prevent spread to other parts of the state,” he said.
Inuwa also said that the governor further directed the closure of weekly markets in the state with effect from April 17. The affected markets are Mai’adua, Mashi, Charanchi, Jibia, Dustin-ma, Batsari, Kafur, Sheme, Dandume, Zango, Danja, Bakori, Kaita, Kagadama and Dankama.
“All restrictions must be observed from the respective effective dates until further notice. All these decisions were taken in the best interests of the good people of Katsina State, country and humanity at large.
“People are, therefore, advised to remain law abiding, adhere to the health guidelines and continue to pray for the Almighty Allah’s intervention to bring an end to the Coronavirus pandemic.” he added.
The Governor exhorted security agencies and healthcare professionals to ensure compliance with the directive.