Sultan Declares Eid el-Fitr Amid Violence in Maiduguri

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the first day of Eid el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. This declaration followed the non-sighting of the new moon on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan.

The Eid el-Fitr celebration, a significant festival for Muslims, was overshadowed by violence in Maiduguri, Borno State, where bomb blasts resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals. Various religious leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for peace and unity among Nigerians during this period.

They emphasized the importance of prayer and charity, particularly in light of the current economic hardships and insecurity affecting the nation. The Sultan urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor and called for extra prayers for divine intervention against insecurity.