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.
The declaration 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, Takutaha is an important part of Kano’s traditional and Islamic heritage. Residents are expected to use the occasion for prayers, supplications and spiritual reflection.
The government also urged residents to pray for peace, unity, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria.
Heads of ministries, departments and agencies were directed to ensure compliance with the work-free-day order.
However, workers providing essential services are expected to continue their duties in line with established procedures.
The circular was sent 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 and heads of state-owned agencies and companies.
Meanwhile, tension has increased in Dorayi Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, following the killing of a young man identified as Yusuf Ahmad by suspected thugs.
The incident reportedly followed a clash after a youth from a neighbouring community was allegedly injured.
The development was said to have led to a retaliatory mobilisation by some of the victim’s associates, resulting in further violence.
An eyewitness, Salihu Shamsu Saleh, said Ahmad was returning home after attending a Maulud gathering when suspected thugs armed with weapons stopped and attacked him.
According to the eyewitness, the attackers inflicted serious injuries on Ahmad’s chest and neck before fleeing the area.
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 arrest others believed to have taken part in the attack.
The incident has renewed concerns over youth violence and retaliatory attacks in parts of Kano State.
Residents have called on young people to avoid taking the law into their own hands and allow security agencies to resolve disputes.
Community members also urged the authorities to increase security operations in vulnerable areas to prevent further violence and loss of lives.
The Kano holiday comes shortly after the Federal Government declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark Eid ul Mawlid, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora and urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad.
