COVID 19: ‘Worshipers attacked police on enforcement duty, seized phones’
Policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Command, on enforcement of the state government directive limiting gathering of people to 20 were yesterday attacked by suspected members of the Victorious Army International Church, Acme Road, Ogba. Those who also received the wrath of the worshipers included journalists attached to the enforcement team, […]
Commander, Rapid Response Squad, Deputy Commissioner of Police Disu Olatunji tries to convince church leaders to comply with the Lagos State Government’s directive that limits the gathering of worshippers to 20 in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, in Lagos yesterday
Policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Command, on enforcement of the state government directive limiting gathering of people to 20 were yesterday attacked by suspected members of the Victorious Army International Church, Acme Road, Ogba.
Those who also received the wrath of the worshipers included journalists attached to the enforcement team, led by the RRS Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Olatunji Dis
The Lagos State police spokesman, Bala Elkana, said when the policemen arrived at the gate of the church at about 9am, some of the members who saw one of the enforcement officers recording the church’s activities attacked them and seized two mobile phones.
Elkana said that the members equally attacked a TVC reporter, Ivy Kanu, and almost seized her phone. He alleged that the TVC cameraman was equally attacked as the church members attempted unsuccessfully to prevent him from recording activities inside and outside the church premises.
“DCP Disu in de-escalating the crisis prevailed on the management of the church to discontinue the service and prune the attendance to reflect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ’s directive,” he added.
The police team commenced compliance monitoring as early as 9am and visited 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.
Daily Trust reports there was total compliance in most of the churches visited, with some of them having banners at their entrance informing worshippers to go back home.
The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had advised residents, club owners and religious bodies to comply with the state government’s directive on gatherings as the police would continue to monitor compliance.