JUST IN: Benue Reverses Decision To Reopen Worship Centres, Markets

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The Benue State Government has reversed its decision to reopen worship centers, markets, and public places.

Governor Samuel Ortom told reporters in Makurdi that the State Government decided to heed the advice of the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria as well as other religious bodies against the reopening of worship centers and other public places.

“We are a component part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we appreciate the fact that the Federal Government is the custodian of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and they are informed about what is going on, and so we must subject ourselves to their decision in accordance with laws of the land,” Ortom said.

He added: “We do not want to endanger the lives of our people. In the event of any challenge concerning this pandemic, the next port of call will be the Federal Government, so we cannot kick against their advice.

“We feel that the advice is genuine. If we took a decision and we have this kind of advice that is genuine and meant to support the health of our people, we have no reason whatsoever to go ahead with the decision we earlier took.

“Therefore, on behalf of the State Executive Council, I hereby reverse the lifting of the ban on churches and mosques services/prayers. We have reverted to the status quo where churches, mosques, and other public places like markets were closed.

“There will be no church services or mosque prayers where people will gather.

‘’Same restrictions cover burials, weddings and other public gatherings which number must not exceed 30 persons as we said earlier.

‘’And we will require everyone to appreciate the fact that Coronavirus is real and deadly and there is no cure yet, but there are preventive measures put in place by health experts.

“We advise our people to strictly observe COVID-19 protocol such as the washing of hands with soap, wearing of face masks, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and social distancing.

‘’We encourage our people to visit Federal Medical Centre and Benue State University Teaching Hospital anytime they notice symptoms.

“We want to call on Benue people to understand with us. This is a serious matter and we must not take things for granted.

‘’We will continue to work with the Federal Government to see when it will be convenient to relax the lockdown.

Also at the briefing, Ortom announced the third COVID-19 case in the state, Mrs. Rebecca Apedzan, a former federal legislator, had tested negative to the virus and was due for discharge.