10 Pastors arrested by Police for holding Sunday services
Amidst the continued spread of the novel coronavirus in the country with Akwa Ibom state recording 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients as stated by NCDC, the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on Thursday 02/04/2020 via a state-wide broadcast announced the lockdown of the state.
The lockdown was to commence immediately, prohibiting the gathering of more than 20 people as well as religious activities in the state.
The state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also announced that churches should follow the stay-at-home order of the government by suspending church services for the main time.
However, over 10 Pastors flouted this order and were arrested by the Police on Sunday. The Pastors were found to be holding Sunday Services against government order and in defiance to the directive of the Akwa Ibom chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
The Eket branch pastor of the Deeper Life Bible Church and a pastor of the United African Evangelical church were said to be amongst the pastors that were arrested for going against the stay-at-home order.
Commenting on the development, the Divisional Police officer, Mr Sunday Diggah said that the pastors would be prosecuted for violating the order as announced by the Governor on Thursday.
