COVID-19: Angry LASG, Seals Mosque, Warns Muslim Faithfuls

By Akinwale Kasali

Muslim faithfuls who worship at the Central Mosque, Agege, Lagos, are in for a tough time.

For sometime to come, they will have to look for another worship place.

Here is why?

The Lagos State Government is very angry with them and on Thursday, sealed the Mosque. The Government’s anger stems from the unruliness displayed by the Worshippers at the Mosque on Wednesday.

The Muslim Faithfuls had gone berserk and attacked members of the Lagos State Government COVID-19 Task Force who tried to stop the Islamic Faithfuls from praying at the Mosque. They tried dispersing them from  observing their prayers at the Mosque.

This was in adherence to the Federal and State Governments order which restricted the movement of people,  and ordered social distancing.

Officials of the Task Force were beaten black and blue by the Islamic Faithfuls, forcing the LASG Task Force officials to take to their heels.

In its earlier reaction,  the LASG  described the attack on its officials as barbaric, disrespectful and insurbodination to  constituted authority. It has now followed up with sealing the Mosque, thus baring them from having access into the Mosque.

The General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and leader of the Taskforce, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, had earlier said it will not hesitate to punish anyone who, or any group which, violates the precautionary measures put in place by the state government to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

The task force is mandated by the State Government to monitor, and enforce compliance against public gatherings exceeding 25 people.

Fasawe said: “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 faithfuls 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, abrasive 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 youths were persistent. But the Police escort rose to the occasion by curbing further attacks and ensured the safety of the team”, she disclosed.

Fasawe said 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  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 report 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.

For now, nobody knows if, and/or when the LASG will unseal the Mosque.

Strong speculations are that the Imam and those who took an active part in the beating of the task force members would be prosecuted by the Government.