As Muslims across the globe marked Eid al-Adha 2026 on Wednesday, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, called on the faithful to intensify prayers for lasting peace and stability in Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
The governor made the appeal during a statewide broadcast ahead of the Eid prayers, urging residents and pilgrims observing the sacred festival to seek divine intervention for the restoration of security across the region.
Eid al-Adha, popularly known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated annually on the 10th day of Dhulhijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. The festival commemorates the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), who demonstrated willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma’il, in submission to Allah’s command before a ram was divinely provided in his place.
Speaking on the spiritual importance of the celebration, Governor Lawal said the symbolic sacrifice remains central to Islamic teachings and the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
“I felicitate with Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha 2026,” the governor said. “The sacrifice performed during Eid symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s total submission and also forms part of the Hajj rites for pilgrims.”
Governor Lawal particularly urged pilgrims from Zamfara and residents across the state to remain steadfast in prayers for peace, unity, and progress.
Highlighting developments in the state’s fight against insecurity, the governor said his administration had recorded notable progress against banditry, leading to the gradual return of displaced communities to their ancestral homes.
“We have made significant progress in the fight against banditry, which is why dispersed communities are now returning to their homes,” he stated.
The governor revealed that thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) were recently resettled in Fegin Kanawa Village in Gusau Local Government Area after spending over a year in displacement due to persistent attacks by armed bandits.
According to government officials, the community had previously been deserted as residents fled repeated assaults and sought refuge in overcrowded camps and neighbouring communities.
Governor Lawal also expressed gratitude over what he described as a historic achievement — the successful airlift of pilgrims from Gusau International Airport following the restoration of operations at the facility.
“We are committed to ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes. Such successes are only possible through collective prayers. I urge citizens to continue praying, especially during sacred occasions like this,” he added.
The governor concluded his address by wishing Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid celebration.
Following the broadcast, Governor Lawal joined thousands of worshippers at the Gusau Central Eid Prayer Ground, where he observed the two-unit Eid prayer and listened to the traditional khutbah.
Security was visibly strengthened across the state during the celebrations, with security operatives deploying patrol teams and checkpoints in strategic locations to prevent possible attacks.
Zamfara State, like many parts of Nigeria’s North-West region, has battled years of insecurity driven by banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. The governor’s message underscored ongoing efforts by his administration to restore normalcy through security operations, community engagement, and spiritual mobilisation.