Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce, mandated by the State Government to monitor and enforce compliance against public gatherings exceeding 25 people, was on Tuesday attacked by some Muslim worshippers at the Agege Central Mosque.
According to a statement, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and leader of the Taskforce, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe condemned the attack and described it as barbaric and uncalled for, saying “our people are out to protect the residents of the State and yet were attacked for doing their jobs”.
She stated that the State Government will not hesitate to sanction violators to serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was obvious the gathering did not comply with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on public gathering and social distancing.
According to her, Taskforce team COVID-19, comprising of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos Safety Commission and the Rapid Response Squad, saw the Muslim faithful observing their evening prayer (Solatul Eshai) in a large congregation, contrary to the directive on total lockdown to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
“However, a drama ensued when some of the Muslim youths sighted the team and became aggressive, unruly and started to attack the team. Others in the mosque, numbering about 300 rushed out chanting ALLAHU AKBAR and joined them in the attack by throwing stones at the vehicles. All entreaties to talk to the Imam failed as the youth were persistent. But the Police escort rose to the occasion by curbing further attacks and ensuring the safety of the team”, she disclosed.
Fasawe revealed that the Agency has been enjoying support and compliance from religious houses and was surprised that the congregation of a mosque that was visited last week could default and also attack government officials trying to enforce compliance.
In her words, “The team has visited several places of worship and have been able to enlighten them and advocate the social distancing approach in all gatherings. But in this instance, the mosque was filled to capacity. The essence of social distancing is to curtail the spread of Coronavirus. The people are endangering their lives and those of their neighbours”.
While noting that the State Government remains committed to protecting all residents, Dr. Fasawe promised to escalate the matter to appropriate quarters because such gathering should not be allowed to continue in the interest of all.
In his own remark, the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission and Co-Leader of the Taskforce, Mr. Lanre Mojola observed that the leadership of the two prominent religious organisations in the State had been adequately sensitised and carried along in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“But we won’t relent, we will continue to appeal to our people to heed advice. Prayers can be observed at home, businesses can be resuscitated but this deadly virus is dangerous if not well managed and timely controlled. If not for us, but for our families, friends and neighbours, let us do the needful and observe safety measures at all times,” he added.
Majola, therefore, implored all Lagosians to comply fully with the directive as the present administration will not hesitate to apply the law when necessary.
Recall that the Lagos State Special Taskforce on COVID-19 was recently inaugurated by the State Government to enforce the executive orders toward curtailing the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile,the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has advised Lagosians to cooperate with the directives of the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government in the efforts to curb the spread of the Coronavirus Pandemic in the State and every other part of the Country with the restrictions and lockdown imposed by Federal Government which started on Monday 30th April, 2020 stressing that it was in the best interest of the populace.
Adebayo Kehinde ,Public Affairs Unit LAGESC disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
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While speaking on the assessment of the day two of the lockdown exercise, The Corps Marshal, Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), CP Gbemisola Akinpelu (retd) said the operatives of the Agency have been deployed to different locations for proper monitoring and the compliance of the stay-at-home order.
While explaining that the operatives have also been mandated to sensitize some of our youths taking advantage of lack of vehicle traffic on our roads to play soccer, noting that the social distancing should be encouraged in the best interest of all and sundry.
LAGESC boss urged all residents to stay at home, avoid mass congregations of any kind as well as non-essential outings until further advice is given.
Mrs Akinpelu said the Agency is working along with other security and other enforcement Agencies such as the Nigeria Military, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Neighbourhood and Safety Corps (LSNSC) to ensure total compliance on the stay at home, social distancing and other …safety tips from relevant Government Agencies.
She however commended Lagosians for respecting the Federal and the State Government directive, with voluntary compliance, advising them to call or send text messages to the under listed phone numbers to report any person or group of persons violating the lockdown order.
