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The leadership of the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sunday called on the state government to lockdown the state for two weeks as part of measures to checkmate the spread of Coronavirus (COVID – 19) in the state.
Oriname Oyenude Kure, state chairman of the Christian body who made the call in Benin City also called for the imposition of a curfew, if the need arises as well as shutting down of services within church premises across the state.
Kure, who however appealed to security agencies to assist in enforcing government orders to minimize the fatality noted that it was part of urgent measures to support the government’s efforts to check the spread of COVID — 19 in the state.
“I appeal to the government for a complete lockdown now at least for the next two weeks and for the imposition of a curfew, if necessary. We appeal to security agencies to assist in enforcing government orders to minimize the fatality.
“All churches should totally close down. We discovered that government restriction on church services to a maximum of 20 persons is still a big risk when we observed the trend. We are going to join forces with the Edo State Government to deal with this evil darkness that is ravaging our nation and our land.
“This decision is good for every one of us. A pastor needs to stay alive to preach while the congregation needs to stay alive for the pastor to be able to reach them. We don’t want a situation where this evil darkness called ‘COVID-19’ will overtake us.
“As we cooperate, it is safety and victory for all of us over COVID-19. After this announcement, government officials and the task force will move to implement government decision and we don’t want any of our pastors or churches to be humiliated.
“Please, I appeal to you in the name of Jesus Christ to comply for the safety of all of us”, he said.
On his part, the General Overseer, Omega Fire Ministry, Johnson Suleiman, in a televised message, urged Christian leaders to support the government at all levels in checking the spread of Coronavirus.
Suleiman noted that governments’ directives were not for persecution but a tribulation.
“I advise Christians to obey the instruction of the government. The earlier we obey, the earlier we tame the tide of the attack of the devil”, he added.
