By Abdallah el-Kurebe

Sokoto — Some members of the Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, in Sokoto observed Eid-el-Fitr on Thursday against the announcement of the Sultan of Sokoto that it would take place today.

It was observed that hundreds of the members of the group attended the two Raka’at Eid prayer led by their leader, Sheikh Musa Lukuya at around 9:00 a.m.

The prayer was observed peacefully and all the Muslim faithful who attended it dispersed quietly after they listened to the Imam’s sermon.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Lukuya said that they observed the Eid-el-Fitr on Thursday due to the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal in some towns and villages within and outside Nigeria.

He gave names of places as Gulma in Kebbi State, Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Yabo and Koringo villages in Illela Local government of Sokoto State as well as the neigbhouring Niger Republic.

“So we have to observe the Eid-el-Fitr today in line with the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW,” Lukuya said.
He denied that the action of his followers could cause disunity among the Muslim Ummah, saying that their act would rather unite the Ummah.