As part of measures to contain spread of the Coronavirus outbreak, Lagos State Government has banned all religious gathering of over 50 people within the state.

According to a statement on Wednesday, the decision was arrived at after a meeting of Lagos State Government with religious bodies in the state, which included Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim leaders.

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Anofiu Elegushi, said the meeting agreed that “all large religious gathering of over 50 people should be suspended immediately”.

He said the suspension would last for four weeks with a review carried out if necessary.

He added that a committee had been set up to monitor the enforcement of the suspension to ensure that both Muslims and Christians in the state abide by the decision.

The 15-member committee comprises representatives of Muslims and Christians in the State.

The Commissioner also said the meeting agreed that the state government should embark on massive sensitisation of people at the grassroots on the need to embrace proper hygiene.

Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, had earlier at a briefing said the advice to put religious gathering on hold is in the interest of the public.

Chairman of CAN, Mr Alexander Bamgbola, said, “We are at a critical moment in Nigeria, since we heard this, we have been praying. We have listened carefully to one another, particularly the government. The responsibility of every government is to protect lives of the people.

“We must be proactive and take preventive measures. It is no longer the issue of religion but survival. We are going to accelerate the education of our people. We must listen to the instruction of government and take the instruction seriously. We agree with the action of Lagos state government.”

Punch