Muslims Holy Month Of Ramadan Begins As Military Issues Red Alert
Ramadan, a time of the year Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, and abstain from drinks, smoking and sex has commenced.
This was announced by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who directed the Muslim Ummah to commence the Ramadan fast on June 6.
He gave the directive in Sokoto on Sunday, shortly after the new moon of Ramadan, 1437 AH was sighted.
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According to Abubakar, the sighting of the new Moon had been duly verified by the National Moon Sighting Committee, and that of Sokoto.
“Today, 29th Day of Shaaban, 1437 AH, equivalent to June, 5, 2016, therefore marks the end of Shaaban.
“Therefore, tomorrow, June 6, 2016 is equivalent to the 1st of Ramadan, 1437 AH,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has alerted members of the public of plans by the Boko Haram terrorists to carry out a wide spread bombings during the Ramadan period.
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A statement issued by Acting Director Defence, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar revealed that the insurgents were targeting crowded areas especially large number of persons that usually converge for the morning and evening worships and prayers.
Abubakar however advised Nigerians to be cautious and watchful during the period.
The statement read: “Information available to this Headquarters indicated plans by terrorists to use the Ramadan periods which usually attracts gathering of large number of persons during morning and evening worships and prayers to carry out large scale bombings.
“Against this background, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to once again advice the general public to be watchful of strange persons and objects in their localities particularly, around places of worships and to promptly report same to security agencies.
“It is further to advice that adequate security and surveillance be evolved by respective places of worship to forestall any unwholesome acts by some unscrupulous elements.
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“The DHQ wishes to reassure law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses while efforts are being made to eliminate the remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts as well as addressing other security challenges in the country”.
