COVID-19: Agege Central Mosque sealed up for violating order on religious gathering

Authorities of Agege Local Government in Lagos State on Thursday sealed up the Agege Central Mosque for violating the state government order on religious gathering in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus pandemic.
The seal up, according to message tweeted on #COVID-19Lagos handle by an official of the state government, Mr Jubril Gawat, was effected by officials of Agege Local Government Authorities, who also “used the opportunity to disinfect the area.”
It would be recalled that the Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce, mandated by the state government to monitor and enforce compliance against public gatherings exceeding 25 people, was on Tuesday attacked by some Muslim worshippers at the Agege Central Mosque.

General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and leader of the Taskforce, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, disclosed in a statement, even as she condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and uncalled for.
According to her, the officials were out to protect the state residents and yet were attacked for doing their jobs, adding: “Our people are out to protect the residents of the State and yet were attacked for doing their jobs.”

Fasawe vowed that the state government would not hesitate to sanction violators to serve as a deterrent to others, declaring that it was obvious the gathering did not comply with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on public gathering and social distancing.
She explained that the Taskforce 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 Ishai) 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, however, revealed that the Agency had 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.