•Churches shut across the state
•Security operatives relax lockdown enforcement
In Kwara, amidst the biting effect of coronavirus, residents celebrate Easter Sunday in silent without the usual festive and cheery atmosphere.
The Kwara Government had on April 9 announced the total shut down of the entire state with effect from 6pm, lastweek Friday.
The government said a total lockdown was necessary to flatten the curve of community transmission of the virus.
But the effect of the government’s decision saw Christains celebrating their annual festival indoor, added that Kwaran families either missed, or followed the Easter church service online.
A pointer to this is the closure of all churches across the state. Our correspondent visited, ECWA church in Amilegbe, CAC, Baptist among several others along Taiwo road of Ilorin, likewise churches across the state. In all, there was total compliance as the religious places are shut.
Speaking with Elizabeth, a resident of Amilegbe in Ilorin, who attends 2nd ECWA church, she disclosed that this is the first time of experiencing such.
“I celebrate Christmas with my immediate family only. No church service, nothing! Just stayed back indoor, cook good food and watch movies. It’s somehow, honestly,” she said.
Another Kwara resident who plead anonymity, said, “All we want is for the government to support us. It’s no time for only celebration but prayers. May God save the world.”
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in his Easter message has urged Kwarans to imbibe the spirit of tolerance in tackling the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, a close observation, around 6pm, across areas in Ilorin metropolis – like Yebmout, Olorunsogo, Geri Alimi, Taiwo, Airport road – revealed that security operatives relaxed the lockdown enforcement. Officers stationed at most of this points were seen resting after a day-long work and the roadblock opened. Some private motorists used the opportunity to have a drive across major roads.