Joy Anyim
The Agege Central Mosque, Mosalasi Alhaja, located at Balogun Street, in Agege, has been sealed off by the Lagos State Government.
This followed an attack orchestrated by worshippers on officials of the state government’s Coronavirus Task Force.
The worshippers, who had flouted the order of the state government on limiting gatherings in the state to 25 persons, reportedly attacked the COVID-19 Task Force officials who were on enforcement duty, on Tuesday.
The officials, led by the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, had asked to see the cleric in charge, stating the gathering was against the state government’s directive.
Categorising the officials as ‘intruders’, the furious worshippers immediately attacked them, throwing stones, planks, bottles at them and calling them names.
The mosque was, however, sealed, on Thursday, by the state government.
Earlier in her narration of what happened, Fasawe had said, “Task Force team for COVID-19, comprising of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos Safety Commission and the Rapid Response Squad, saw the Muslim faithful observing their evening prayer (Solatul Eshai) in a large congregation, contrary to the directive on total lockdown to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
“However, a drama ensued when some of the Muslim youths sighted the team and became aggressive, unruly and started to attack the team.
“Others in the mosque, numbering about 300 rushed out chanting ALLAHU AKBAR and joined them in the attack by throwing stones at the vehicles.
“All entreaties to talk to the Imam failed as the youth were persistent. But the Police escort rose to the occasion by curbing further attacks and ensuring the safety of the team. ”