Covid-19:Local Government Council Seals Church In Rivers State Over Violation Of Social Distancing

Council Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area,Rivers State,Nigeria Hon. Solomon Abel Eke, has sealed off the premises of a church, Dynamic Flame Of Fire & Miracles Ministries, for violating the state government’s restriction order on public gathering.

A statement released by the Press unit of the Council, on Tuesday night explained that

the Church, located in Golden Valley Estate, Woji was holding a deliverance worship service when the team led by the council boss stormed the premises.
Addressing newsmen after the exercise, Hon. Eke disclosed that the decision to shut down the premises was taken because more than 50 persons were found inside the worship service at the time officials visited the place.

“I received a tip off from residents of the area that the church was holding normal service without precautionary measures or social distancing. They were also flouting the Governor’s directive and putting residents of the area at risk.
For us as a council and in line with the directive of the Governor, this is not acceptable. The Pastor has been arrested and the church premises sealed off,” he said.

Speaking further on the matter, the council boss warned religious leaders and worshippers to adhere strictly to the Governor’s order;
“There is an order by the Governor and we will enforce that order to the latter. Our compliance monitoring continues, I want to use the this medium to advise religious leaders, worshippers and residents to adhere to government directives or be prepared to face the consequences.”

Recall that the Governor of Rivers state, His Excellency Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike had adopted a number of measures in the wake of the outbreak of Coronavirus, including placing a ban on public gatherings to a limited number of persons.