Benue State lifts ban on public worship, others

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday lifted the ban on religious activities in churches and mosques across the state. Ortom, arising from expanded meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) and Action Committee on COVID-19, also directed civil servants in the state from levels one to 12 to resume work on June 1, 2020.

He advised worship places to hold staggered worship sessions, adding that the issue of school resumption would be reviewed in the next 14 days.

“Workers on grade levels one to 12, who were asked to stay at home, are to resume work on June 1, 2020. The workers are advised to always wear face masks and maintain social distancing as they go to work.

“Churches and mosques, with effect from Thursday, May 21, 2020, are to hold staggered worship sessions. This implies that a church or mosque, which before now held two worship sessions in a day, should henceforth conduct four sessions.

“Street trading is encouraged, but strictly obeying social distancing protocol on COVID-19. Markets will be partially opened to enable traders access their shops,” he said.

The governor further noted that government would also ensure that markets in the state were fumigated periodically to check the spread of the virus. He, however, insisted: “Inter-state movement remains prohibited, except for those on essential services.

“The prevailing curfew in the state has been reviewed to now last between 8pm and 6am daily, until further notice.” Governor Ortom encouraged the residents to intensify farming activities.