Lagos to stop Sunday, Juma’at services over coronavirus

Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, says the state would be asking religious leaders to stop Friday prayers (Juma’at) and Sunday services.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Mr Omotosho said religious leaders would be advised to shut down services in the interest of the public as concerns grow over the coronavirus outbreak.

Nigeria now has eight confirmed cases of coronavirus, seven of which were discovered in Lagos.

“We are all aware that the Federal Government asked the National Youth Service Corps to shut down orientation camps; yesterday (Tuesday) the Commissioner for Home Affairs said there will be a meeting with religious leaders today (Wednesday),” he said.

“It is going to be suggested to them to maybe stop Friday and Sunday services – wherever we have large gatherings.

“Going by the new development, I am sure they will be advised to shut down the services in the interest of the public and all of us. I am sure they are going to comply.”