Coronavirus: 2 Islamic Clerics Arrested For Conducting Congregational Prayers In Kaduna

The Kaduna state government has arrested two clerics for conducting congregational prayers on Friday, in violation to the restriction of movement, large gatherings, treading and congregational prayers imposed by the state government.

According to a statement signed by the Kaduna state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwa, Malam Aminu Umar Usman and Malam Umar Shangel of Malami and Unguwan Kanawa communities respectively, were arrested for holding congregational prayers, which violated government orders as well as advice given by leaders of faith.

The statement further stated that the duo will be prosecuted accordingly. The government commended citizens that are abiding by the terms of the quarantine imposed on the state as a preventive measure against Covid-19.

KADUNA UPDATE: Two clerics have been arrested for conducting congregational prayers in violation of Kaduna State public health preventive measures. A KDSG statement said that Malam Aminu Umar Usman and Malam Umar Shangel will be prosecuted

— Governor Kaduna (@GovKaduna) March 28, 2020

“The state government is especially grateful to religious and community leaders who have joined in appealing to the public to abide by public health warnings. We thank the media for amplifying the message of prevention and the security agencies that are enforcing the extraordinary measures”

“However, government has also sadly noted that certain individuals, including clerics, are violating the restriction of movement, large gatherings, trading and congregational prayers. This is patently illegal and irresponsible conduct at a time that requires sober and rational conduct to protect our people from coronavirus.”

The statement reads The government reiterated that it expects compliance with the quarantine orders and will continue to enforce them. Anyone who decides to jeopardy their prestige and social standing by wanton violation of orders made to protect public welfare and good health can expect a firm response.

It should be clear that the inconvenience associated with the preventive measures, while regretted, are nothing compared to the suffering and deaths that coronavirus will cause if it is allowed to get here and spread.

The security agencies will enforce government orders and uphold the 24 hour curfew, until further notice. Those who seek to defy the directives stand the risk of arrest and prosecution.

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