Borno Records First Peaceful Sallah in Four Years

For the first time in four years, there was peace across the villages and towns in Borno State during the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir. In the last four years, the celebrations of Sallah had been marred by security breaches as the Boko Haram sect always used the occasions to wreak havoc on innocent people and communities.

In Maiduguri, people trooped out in their thousands to celebrate the Muslim festival, told THISDAY that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

A durban was also held in the town as colourful horses were ridden by eminent people in the state at the Shehu palace open ground. At the headquarters of all the 27 local government areas of the state, no unsavoury incident was heard as people celebrated the occasion in peace.

Also in all villages across the state, people were said to have come out to celebrate in peace and harmony.

A visit round Maiduguri yesterday, showed that many people came out to known relaxation centres to celebrate.

Some of the people who trooped into the state capital from other parts of the state, revealed that there was peaceful celebration in their areas.

Alhaji Abba who drove from Monguno to Maiduguri to celebrate with some friends said: "Despite the huge fear of unknown attacks from the insurgents who are now hiding in the bushes and forests, we were able to witness the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah celebration in a peaceful circumstance."

Mallam Adamu Kuranabasa said: "Alhamdulillah, we did celebrate our Sallah in Gwoza in a very peaceful condition; the impression has changed, not like we thought, few days before Sallah."
BY MICHAEL OLUGBODE