Covid-19: Religious Activities Suspended In Enugu State As Bishop Chukwuma Denies Daring Police

Henceforth, all religious activities in Enugu State have been suspended and worship centres closed till further notice in an effort to curtail the spread of Covid-19.

Enugu State Police Commissioner CP Ahmad Abdurrahman disclosed this after a security meeting hosted by the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Enugu Government House.

The meeting also had the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, among other religious leaders, in attendance.

It would be recalled that there was an uproar in the state recently following an alleged report that Bishop Chukwuma had darred the police to arrest him, insisting that he would continue to hold church services. However, the clergyman later denied the report, stating that he was misquoted.

Police Commissioner Abdurrahman, in a release issued, Wednesday, by the Enugu State Police Command’s public relations officer, Daniel Ndukwe, assured the people of the state of the preparedness of the police towards implementing the social restriction orders in the state, and called on the residents to ensure full compliance.

According to the statement, “This reassurance is in view of the agreement reached between the government of Enugu State and leaders of religious organizations to shut down places of worship till further notice, and the consequent denial by the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most. Rev. (Dr.) Emmanuel Chukwuma, of media reports alleging that he opposed the government and police by not shutting down branches of the church over the COVID-19 pandemic as agreed.

“Accordingly, Commissioner Abdurrahman, while taking into cognizance the priestly agreement and rebuttal of the alleged media reports, has enjoined the citizenry, especially members of the clergy, to ensure continuous compliance with the orders as well as shut down churches, mosques and other public places of worship as ordered by the government. He noted that the command will continue to professionally do everything within its powers to enforce the orders as stipulated, irrespective of whose Ox is gored.”

The commissioner, in the statement, enjoined the citizenry to remain vigilant, steadfast and prayerful in the fight against the deadly scourge, and reach the command on 08032003702, 08075390882 or 08086671202 or by sending electronic mails to [email protected] for emergencies, complaints, enquiries and suggestions.