Under a golden morning sky, hundreds of residents in Mokwa, Niger State, gathered peacefully at prayer grounds on Friday to observe the solemn rites of Eid-el-Kabir, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
Stunning drone footage captured the moment, showing orderly rows of worshippers bowing in unison—a striking display of faith, unity, and cultural tradition.
The atmosphere in Mokwa mirrored the spiritual reverence seen in Muslim communities across Nigeria and the globe, as the faithful commemorated the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in a profound act of obedience to God.
This biblical moment, shared across Abrahamic faiths, is remembered each year with prayers, charity, and the ritual sacrifice of rams and other livestock.
As is customary, many families in Mokwa and surrounding towns prepared for the symbolic sacrifice shortly after the congregational prayers, with local butchers busy from the early hours.
The meat from the slaughtered animals is traditionally divided into three parts—one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the less fortunate—underscoring the spirit of generosity and community responsibility that defines Eid.
Local leaders and clerics, addressing the crowd during the prayer session, urged residents to reflect on the deeper values of the season—faith, sacrifice, and compassion—and to extend support to those affected by economic hardship or insecurity.
While major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano often dominate media coverage during Islamic holidays, the drone visuals from Mokwa offered a rare and captivating glimpse into how Eid is celebrated in Nigeria’s smaller, yet no less vibrant, communities.
The images stand in contrast to some of the more urbanized, security-tightened scenes often reported by international media such as Reuters or BBC Africa, instead highlighting grassroots devotion and peaceful communal life.
The Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Mokwa proceeded without incident, thanks in part to coordinated security efforts and the communal discipline of the attendees.
In interviews with local media, residents expressed gratitude for the relative calm and the opportunity to observe the holiday with loved ones. “This is a day of reflection, of sacrifice, and of hope,” said Imam Salisu Danjuma, who led the prayers. “We pray for peace in Nigeria and for the strength to overcome the trials we face as a people.”
Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, continues for several days, with visits to family and friends, festive meals, and acts of charity forming the core of the celebration.
As scenes from Mokwa remind the nation, beyond the politics and policies, faith remains a powerful thread holding communities together—from bustling metropolises to quiet rural towns.
