COVID-19: Church members reportedly attack policemen for stopping them from holding crowded service
Joy Anyim
Policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), on enforcement of the ban on gatherings above 50 persons were, on Sunday, attacked by some church members of Victorious Army International Church, Acme Road Branch, Ogba, in Lagos State.
The RRS team led by the Commander, DCP Olatunji Disu had, on Sunday morning, forced the management of the church to comply with the Lagos State Government’s directive limiting gathering to 50 persons to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the State.
According to a press statement by the RRS, the team got to the church at past 9:00 a.m., only to be locked out by the church, while officials of the church were seen scampering around to inform other members of the presence of the police.
“ When the entrance gate was opened, some belligerent church members who saw one of the enforcement officers recording the church activities attacked them, seized two mobile phones, a Samsung S 8+ and Samsung J4.
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“ The members equally attacked TV reporter (name with held), and almost seized her phone. Her camera man was equally attacked as they tried unsuccessfully to prevent him from recording in and out of the church premises.
“ DCP Disu in de-escalating the crisis prevailed on the management of the church to discontinue the service and prune down the attendance to reflect the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu’s directive. The Samsung S 8+ is still being held by the church after reluctantly producing a Samsung J4, ” the statement reads.
It was gathered that the police team commenced compliance monitoring early, as religious organisations in Alausa, Agidingbi, ACME Road, Akilo, Ogba, Aguda, Yahaya Abatan, Omole, Ojodu, Ogudu, Oregun, Toyin, Ikeja GRA, Allen, Opebi, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Olowopopo, Jobi Fele Way, Alapere, Oba Akran and Obafemi Awolowo Way, were visited.
According to RRS, there was total compliance at all the other places visited, as some churches visited had their services online while some had banners tied to their entrance informing worshippers to go back home.
Recall that the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu had advised Lagosians, club owners and religious bodies to comply with State Government’s directive, as the police would continue to monitor compliance.
