Ololade Adeyanju/
Members of the Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce monitoring compliance with the ban on public gatherings exceeding 25 people were yesterday attacked by some Muslim worshippers at the Agege Central Mosque.
Speaking on the incident, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and leader of the task force, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, condemned the attack and described it as barbaric and uncalled for.
She said the state government will not hesitate to sanction violators to serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was obvious the congregation did not comply with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on public gathering and social distancing.
According to her, the Task Force Team 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”, she disclosed.
Fasawe revealed that the Agency has been enjoying support and compliance from religious houses and was surprised that the congregation of a mosque that was visited last week could default and also attack government officials trying to enforce compliance.
“The team has visited several places of worship and have been able to enlighten them and advocate the social distancing approach in all gatherings. But in this instance, the mosque was filled to capacity. The essence of social distancing is to curtail the spread of coronavirus. The people are endangering their lives and those of their neighbours,” she said.
While noting that the state government remains committed to protecting all residents, Fasawe promised to escalate the matter to the appropriate quarters because such gathering should not be allowed to continue in the interest of all.
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