Eid cultural liveliness returns to Maiduguri

The Eid al-Adha referred to as Babbar Sallah which was observed on Tuesday brought back some royal traditions that had been suspended due to insurgency in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Insurgency in the state which heightened 10 years ago has reportedly displaced millions of people and led to the suspension of some norms which influence the cultural behavior of the people.

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An official of the volunteer security force, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), said people in Maiduguri celebrated a joyful Eid al-Adha on Tuesday with the return of durbar.

He said, “Maiduguri was full of life on Sallah day because some of the royal traditions that had long been abandoned due to insurgency took up again. Children whose love of horses was hitherto smothered saw the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on horseback riding from the Eid ground at the Ramat Square back to his palace with dozens of guards and kingmakers.

“At the palace, district heads and traditional title holders on horses paid homage to the Shehu in the presence of Governor Babagana Zulum.

“The durbar was characterised by trumpeters, horsemen, dancers and acrobats. It offered a glimmer of hope that normalcy has returned to Maiduguri and the entire state.”

The Eid prayer was attended by Governor Zulum; Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima; Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baba Alkali; the Shehu; Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; Chief Whip of the House of Representatives; Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; and the state APC Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori.

A day before the Eid, Gov Zulum distributed N55m to volunteer security groups which included hunters, vigilantes and members of the CJTF for the festivity.

Other items shared included 5,500 bags of rice and 5,500 gallons of cooking oil to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country.

Addressing the volunteers at Government House Maiduguri, the governor said, “I invited you to register my deepest appreciation to all of you in the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes for your enormous sacrifices and support to the military in securing the lives and property of the people of Borno State.

“I also extend my appreciation to the attorney general who is leading this very important team, the permanent secretary, the SSA Security and the Executive Secretary and members of Borno’s Security Trust Fund for the combined effort in repositioning our security responses in the state. May Allah in his infinite wisdom reward all of you abundantly.

“In addition to my gratitude to the hunters, vigilantes and CJTF, I also wish to provide a token of support to volunteers towards this Sallah celebration.

“No amount of money or support can match the critical sacrifices made by volunteers, I really wish we can do so much more, but Insha Allah, whenever our financial condition improves, the government will offer bigger support.”