The Niger State Government has vowed that Churches and Mosques that henceforth fail to observe the precautionary measures of social distancing to stop the spread of Coronavirus Disease in the state will be shut down.
The threat was handed down by the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, on Monday at a news briefing.
This was as Bello directed the extension of a partial lockdown of the state for the next two weeks, starting from April 28.
According to him: “Henceforth, all Churches and Mosques that fail to observe the precautionary measures of social distancing will be shut down and all violators, especially those who refuse to wear face masks, will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Bello briefed newsmen after an extensive meeting with the State Task Force on COVID-19 at the Government House Minna, after the State initial two weeks 24 hours lockdown elapsed on Sunday.
He said the decision for the extension became necessary to contain the spread of the virus, adding: “This virus will not make serious harm to Nigerians.
“This is my prayer, but we need to stop people from coming into the State.”
Governor Bello further disclosed that the window for people to go out and get foodstuffs had been extended to Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 7am till midnight but within their localities.
He said: “It is pertinent for us to review and assess where we are and to review the necessary steps to take to ensure the safety of Nigerlites.
“The earlier two weeks total lockdown expired on Sunday, 26th April and it is pertinent that the lockdown be extended by another two weeks, but this time, people are allowed to move in their areas, but must ensure social distance.
“Within this two weeks, neighbourhood markets and shops will be allowed and we have extended the window break to three days.
“Vehicular movements will not be allowed because I have instructed the Attorney General to set up mobile courts to trial violators within this period.”
Furthermore, Bello charged Nigerlites to abide by the directives, adding: “Once we get it right this next two weeks, we might be declared free of the virus.
“In a no long distant future, we hope to see an end to this virus that has changed our ways of living.
“It’s easier for us to contain the virus at the Local Government Areas level and at the end we can ascertain whether there is any case or not.”
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