From Francis Nansak ,Lafia
Churches in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital on Sunday, complied with the directive of the state government which directed a total shutdown on worship centres across the state.
The AUTHORITY correspondent in Lafia observed that the Sunday morning Christian routines where faithful converged in the various denominations were never the case, due to the government directive, following the outbreak of corona virus pandemics ravaging the country and the world at large.
It would be recalled that Governor Sule of Nasarawa state in a press briefing on Friday, directed that worship centres limit the number of its worshippers in churches and mosques to not more than 50 persons in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19/among unsuspecting citizens of the state.
Based on these precautionary measures as announced by the government of Nasarawa state, churches in Lafia observed 100 percent compliant.
Our reporter who spoke with some Christian faithful over the directive, revealed that while it was a difficult task to abide with but for the pandemics they alluded that it was better to obey than sacrifice.
A member of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Igwayi Levite, said obedience is better than sacrifice, though it was his first time in life seeing a total shutdown of churches on designated worship days.
“But we are in a situation that is very devastating which necessitated government order so as to curtail the spread of the corona virus; so, it is a welcome development if this will be the action that will save lives,” he said.
Saidu Mudu ,a Muslim, also attested that a similar situation as this had been recorded during the reigns of a prophet.
He said then, when a heavy rain entered the mosque, the prophet instructed the Muslim faithful to stay away from the mosque pending when the rain would be over.
“So these measures by the government should not be seen as strange to mankind, it will help in reducing the spread of the disease if thoroughly followed and adhered to by all religions,” he pointed out.
While on his part, Chairman, the Christian Associations of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Bishop Joseph Mason, of the Word of God Mission, Bukan Sidi, Lafia, said the government has done its best by directing citizens of the state to stay at home.
Bishop Masin, however urged the government to make available palliatives to the people, else hunger will invade some homes and a more devastating situation could arise from lack of food.
“Government as a driver of the peoples social wellbeing , should consider putting measures on ground to serve ad palliatives while the law directive on shutdown of markets and other businesses lasted,” he urged.
