Eid-el-Kabir: How Kwara communities abandoned Eid grounds over fear of bandits

In Kwara State, Nigeria, several communities opted to forgo traditional open-air Eid grounds for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations due to security concerns. This decision followed a resolution by the League of Imams on May 25th, which advised vulnerable areas to hold prayers within their central mosques instead. The move was a preventative measure against potential bandit attacks during the religious festival. Consequently, many residents participated in prayers at mosques, a departure from the usual practice of gathering in open fields.

This highlights the pervasive impact of insecurity on religious practices and community life in affected regions.