Coronavirus: Niger suspends Juma’at prayers, church services
As the stay at home restriction entered its third day today, the Niger state government has directed the suspension of all congregational and weekly Friday prayers in all mosques across the state in the wake of ravaging coronavirus pandemic.
This was contained in a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane. He further disclosed that the state government has also suspended Sunday services in all churches in the state.
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Matane, who is the chairman of the state task force on COVID-19, explained that the suspension of the Jumma’at prayers and church services are part of the state government’s precautionary measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
He appealed to the people of the state to abide by all instructions and guidelines issued by the state government, saying that the risks of the coronavirus increases with mass gatherings.
According to him, government has a duty to work with all religious leaders and others stakeholders with a view to ensuring that everything humanly possible is done to reduce the chances of the virus taking root and spreading in the state.
“As part of the required containment measures, government has already ordered the closure of public and private schools as well as tertiary institutions for 30 days, imposed curfew and suspended all public gatherings across the state,” the statement added.
He called on the people of the state to show more understanding, teamwork while the pandemic lasts and prayed for God’s protection over the spread of the coronavirus disease in the state.
