Living Faith and 5 other Churches sealed in Bayelsa
While the state governments have warned that no worship houses or schools should be opened for now, some worship centres are still seen violating this set down rules by the government.
I believe clerics and scholars should understand that the government doesn’t intend to deprive the people service or worship of God. But are trying to curtail the spread of the pandemic which is hazardous to everyone that may be at risk of contracting the virus.
Just few states has given worship centres the go ahead to resume worship service, while other states are yet to do so. To some of the clerics and scholars it seem like the government is being wicked to them, but they need to realise the danger of ignoring the warnings of the government.
Bayelsa State Government has sealed six churches for breaching operational protocols required to conduct services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the ease of lockdown in the state, government had allowed churches to hold services with only 50 worshipers.
However, the State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr Freston Akpor, on Monday told NAN, that the Security Sub – Committee of the state’s Task Force on COVID-19, sealed churches that did not comply with its directive.
Akpor identified the churches as, “Living Faith Church, Igbogene, Salvation Victory Centre, Igbogene, Shalom International Christian Centre, along Tombia-Amassoma road and Great Grace Distinguished Assembly, Okutukutu.
He said the churches failed to comply with safety measures put in place by the state government to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, the protocols violated include wearing of face masks and observance of social distancing.
Other churches are Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Opolo and Hebrews International Church, Ayama road.
He added that the churches will remain sealed until further notice to serve as deterrent to other churches.
Akpor further, disclosed that the state government on Sunday unsealed two churches, the Halleluya Deliverance Ministry International and Embassy Faith churches after an undertaken to comply with prescribed safety protocols.