FCTA demolishes 5 wrestling, drama houses over COVID-19 violations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished five local wrestling and drama theatres

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished five local wrestling and drama theatres popularly called “Gidan Drama” and “Gidan Dambe” over violations of safety measures put in place by authorities to halt the spread of COVID-19.

The FCT Ministerial Enforcement Taskforce which enforced the regulations at Daki-Biyu, Gwarimpa 1 and Sector Centre districts, also arrested and arraigned 25 people over breach of the protocols across the city.

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Armed personnel of the Nigeria Police, State Security Services (SSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) accompanied the taskforce.

Addressing journalists during the exercise, the Head, Media, Public Enlightenment and Advocacy of the FCT Ministerial Enforcement Taskforce on COVID-19,  Mr Ikharo Attah,  said the owners and operators of the Gidan Drama and Gidan Dambe were repeatedly warned to stop operations because they contravened the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.

“Thousands of persons gather in these local entertainment centres to watch artistes and wrestlers perform.

“In one of the centres, we observed during surveillance that thousands gathered to watch strip dancers. Facemasks, physical distancing and sanitizing of the hands do not exist here at all,” he said.

Attah, however, appealed to Kannywood actors and actresses who sometimes make appearances in the centres to desist from doing so.

“If we get them here we will arrest and charge them to court regardless of their fame and status,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the 25 people, mostly motorists and commuters, were arraigned in mobile courts for violating the health protocols.