Niger govt suspends Juma’at prayers, church services

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Niger State Government has directed the suspension of all congregational and weekly Friday prayers in all mosques across the state in the wake of ravaging coronavirus pandemic.
This was contained in a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane who also disclosed that the state government has also suspended Sunday services in all churches in the state.
The SSG who is the Chairman, Niger State Task Force on COVID-19 explained that the suspension of the Jumma’at prayers and church services comes as part of the state government’s precautionary measures being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Ahmed Matane appealed to the people of the State to abide by all instructions and guidelines issued by the state government, saying that coronavirus risks increase with mass gatherings
According to the SSG, government has a duty to work with all religious leaders and others stakeholders with a view to ensuring that everything humanly possible is been done to reduce the chance of the virus taking root and spreading in the state.
As part of the required containment measures, government has already ordered the closure of public and private schools as well as tertiary institutions for thirty days imposed curfew and suspended all public gatherings across the state, the statement added.
He called on Nigerlites to show more understanding, teamwork while the pandemic last and pray for God’s protection over the spread of coronavirus disease in the state.