The Kano State Government has declared Tuesday, September 1, 2026, a public holiday to allow residents to observe Takutaha, an annual traditional and religious event with strong cultural and spiritual significance in the state.
This was contained in Circular No. 7/2026, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Abba A. Danguguwa, on behalf of the Head of Service.
The government said the holiday coincides with 19th Rabi’ul Awwal, 1448AH, and was approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
According to the circular, the Takutaha observance remains an important part of Kano’s traditional and Islamic heritage, with residents expected to use the occasion for prayers, supplications and spiritual reflection.
The state government urged residents to pray for continued peace, unity, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria.
It also directed heads of ministries, departments and agencies to ensure full compliance with the work-free-day order.
However, the government stressed that workers providing essential services would continue to operate in line with established procedures.
The circular was circulated to senior government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government, commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of boards and commissions, local government audit authorities, as well as chief executives of state-owned agencies and companies.
Meanwhile, tension has risen in Dorayi Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area of the state, following the killing of a young man identified as Yusuf Ahmad by suspected thugs.
The incident reportedly followed a clash that erupted after a youth from a neighbouring community was allegedly injured.
The development was said to have triggered a retaliatory mobilisation by some of his associates, leading to further violence in the area.
An eyewitness, Salihu Shamsu Saleh, said Ahmad was returning home after attending a Maulud gathering when he was intercepted and attacked by suspected thugs armed with weapons.
According to him, the attackers inflicted serious injuries on the victim’s chest and neck before fleeing the scene.
The spokesman for the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed that security personnel were deployed to the area after receiving a distress call.
Kiyawa said some suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.
The incident has renewed concerns over youth violence and retaliatory attacks in parts of the state, with residents calling on young people to shun self-help and allow security agencies to handle disputes.
Community members also urged the authorities to intensify security operations in vulnerable areas to prevent further loss of lives and escalation of gang-related violence.
Recall that the Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued last Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion, urging Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad.
