Kwara state government has announced the suspension of the 2021 durbar earlier scheduled for Wednesday July 21, citing security reasons.
The government announced the suspension in a statement by the permanent secretariat, ministry of commmunications, Hajia Rabiat Mopelola AbdulRahman.
The suspension was announced few hours after supporters of the state governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and that of the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, clashed at the Ilorin central eid prayer ground Tuesday.
Hundreds of thousands of muslim adherents had Tuesday gathered to observe eid- el- Kabir prayer when supporters of the duo (Saraki and AbdulRazaq) engaged in a shouting match.
While AbduLRahman’ s supporters chanted “Sai Ramani”, those loayal to Saraki chnated “Sai Bukky”, a situation that did not allow many to listen to the brief sermon that usually follow the prayer.
Announcing the suspension in a statement, the state government said though the decision was painful, it was necessary to avert the plot of some elements to cause breach of peace and security in the state.
The statement reads in parts: “The suspension, painful as it has given our people’s attachment to it and government’s investments to promote this colourful cultural heritage, follows a police intelligence report which indicated that some forces plan to use the boisterous nature of the cultural event to instigate a breakdown of law and order in the state, thereby complicating national security challenges .
“Government reiterates its commitment to protection of lives and property of all residents of the state, as that is its primary obligation.
“We urge all residents of the state to continue to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies.
“The government once again congratulates Kwarans on the Eid-ul-Kabir celebrations and bids everyone many blessed Eid in the coming years.”
