COVID-19: Lagos govt shuts Agege Central Mosque over attack on Taskforce officials

The Lagos State government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu has put the Agege Central Mosque under lock and key after members of the worship centre attacked officials of the State COVID-19 Taskforce.

The COVID-19 task force mandated by the state government to monitor and equally enforce compliance against public gatherings exceeding 25 people, were pelted with stones and other objects when they approached the worship centre- an action which has now forced the state government to sealed off the mosque.

Reports say the worshipers numbering up to 300 on sighting the LASEPA officials, hurled stones at their vehicles to scare them away as all efforts to talk to the imam, reportedly failed after several attempts.

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The situation was however brought under control by the police escort, attached to the team who were able to calm the atmosphere and ensure safety of the LASEPA team.

General Manager, LASEPA, Dolapo Fasawe, while reacting to the incident described it as “barbaric and uncalled for,” saying; “our people are out to protect the lives of the residents of the state and yet were attacked for doing their jobs.

“The state will not hesitate to sanction violators to serve as a deterrent to others.

“It was obvious the gathering did not comply with the executive order. The mosque was filled to capacity. The essence of social distancing is to curtain the spread of Coronavirus.

“The people are endangering their lives and those of their neighbours. “Government has a duty to protect the lives of the people,” she said.

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