Police say ban on religious gatherings still in force

 

…Vow to enforce order

 

BY NICHOLAS ABE

The Nigerian Police Force have while congratulating the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians in general on the successful conclusion of the Ramadan fast and the celebration of the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr, reiterated that the ban on large religious and social gathering was still in effect.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, made the clarification amid conflicting directives between some state governments and federal government over the lifting of ban on religious gatherings as the Muslim Ummah round off their 30 days fast with prayers.

The IGP noted in a statement issued by the Force PRO, DCP Frank Mba, that the successful conclusion of the Ramadan, a period of self-denial geared towards attaining wholesomeness, reinforces his belief that with the citizens’ collective perseverance and voluntary compliance with the prevention regulations, including ban on religious gatherings, ordered by governments at all levels, the nation will surely overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“The Force however reminds the citizens that the COVID-19 prevention regulation orders including the inter-state movement restriction orders, national curfew and the prohibition of mass socio-religious gatherings by the Federal Government in Lagos, Ogun, Kano states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and restriction orders by governments in some states of the federation, are still in force.

“It therefore enjoins the citizens to observe the Eid celebrations bearing in mind the unusual times occasioned by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic as the Force will leave no stone unturned towards the due enforcement of the orders,” the IGP said.

He assured the nation of adequate security during and after the Eid el-Fitr celebrations, noting that “proactive and robust anti-crime measures, including the deployments of tactical and intelligence assets of the Force”, are already in place to prevent any untoward incidents in the country.