Eid

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, popularly nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its blond tuft, has escaped being slaughtered for Eid al-Adha after authorities intervened at the last minute.

The buffalo, which weighs nearly seven hundred kilograms, had already been sold for sacrifice before officials halted the process over security concerns linked to growing public attention.

A Home Ministry official confirmed on Wednesday that Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered that the animal should be spared. Authorities also directed that the buyer be refunded while the buffalo would be moved to the national zoo in Dhaka.

“At the ‌last moment, the decision was taken to spare the buffalo from sacrifice due to security ‌concerns and the unusual level of ‌public interest,” a ministry official said.

Interest in the animal spread rapidly after videos of it circulated online ahead of the Eid celebration scheduled for Thursday. Many people reportedly travelled to the farm to catch a glimpse of the unusual buffalo, which stood out because of its light-coloured hair and calm nature.

The owner of the farm, Ziauddin Mridha, said his younger brother gave the buffalo the nickname after noticing a resemblance to United States President Donald Trump.

Mridha explained that the animal is gentle and requires special care, including regular feeding and bathing.

Albino buffaloes are uncommon in Bangladesh, where dark-coloured cattle are more common during the Eid livestock season. Reports indicated that the animal’s unusual appearance and nickname contributed to the attention that eventually saved it from slaughter.

Meanwhile, Muslims in Mali are facing difficulties ahead of Eid al-Adha as the prices of sheep continue to rise following a blockade imposed by armed groups linked to al-Qaida.

The blockade has reportedly disrupted the transportation of goods into Bamako, the country’s capital. Analysts said the situation has affected supplies and pushed the cost of animals beyond the reach of many families preparing for the religious festival.

The armed group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin reportedly announced the blockade earlier this month. The group has frequently targeted trucks and commercial vehicles transporting goods into the city.

Mali, which depends heavily on supplies transported from neighbouring coastal countries such as Senegal and Ivory Coast, has experienced increasing economic pressure as a result of the disruption.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated residents of the state on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Governor Yusuf described Eid-el-Fitr as a period for gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment to the values of faith, unity and compassion demonstrated throughout Ramadan.

He urged residents to celebrate the Sallah festivities peacefully and responsibly, cautioning against any actions that could disrupt the peace and stability of the state.

The governor stressed the need to sustain tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among the people, regardless of their differences.

He also called on parents and guardians to guide their children to be law-abiding and to conduct themselves properly during the celebrations.

Governor Yusuf further encouraged residents to show kindness and support to the less privileged, in line with Islamic teachings, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He also assured that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free celebration across Kano State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

According to a statement released by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, no credible reports of the new moon sighting were received from various committees across the country on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan.

As a result, Thursday, March 19, will complete the 30 days of Ramadan, with the crescent of Shawwal officially sighted on Friday.

The Sultan, in the declaration, congratulated the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and urged them to continue praying for the nation’s peace, progress, and development.

He also extended his warm wishes for a happy and blessed Eid-el-Fitr celebration, praying that Allah accepts the religious deeds of the faithful.

The statement was signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has confirmed that the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Durbar in the state.

The government said the decision was approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following intelligence reports suggesting that some individuals might attempt to cause unrest during the Sallah celebrations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the government remains committed to preserving Kano’s cultural heritage while prioritising peace and security across the state.

He explained that the Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) would be conducted by Emir Sanusi from the Kofar Mata Eid Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, ending at Kofar Fatalwa of the emir’s palace.

According to him, Hawan Nasarawa will take place in a modified format without horseback displays, while Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau and Hawan Dorayi have been suspended temporarily in the interest of public safety.

The commissioner added that security agencies had been directed to intensify surveillance and ensure strict compliance with the directives before, during and after the festive period.

He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding and to cooperate with security agencies, while also warning against the spread of unverified information.

The government further assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration and wished Muslims in the state a joyous Eid-el-Fitr.