The Emir of Rano, Ambassador Muhammad Isa Umaru, has imposed a strict ban on church activities within residential buildings following a wave of complaints from concerned residents in the Emirate.
The directive comes after a special investigative committee was set up to look into the issue, uncovering that a church in Yadi Quarters, Rano town, was conducting services in a residential house without proper legal procedures.
“Efforts to ensure that worship remains within legal and peaceful boundaries have led to this decision,” the Emir stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order.
The Emirate currently houses 27 certified churches where Christians are free to worship without interference. However, unauthorized worship in private homes led to mounting discontent among locals, prompting formal complaints to the Emirate authorities.
Alhaji Umar Isa Sarki, the Committee Secretary, explained, “Multiple petitions raised concerns over the legality of the services being held in private homes.”
While the Emir’s order has been enforced, attempts to get a reaction from the Kano chapter chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The ban is aimed at preventing any potential breaches of peace while maintaining the balance of religious practices in the region.