8th April, 2020
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Ahmad Abdurrahman, has warned residents to respect the shutdown of public places in order to avoid contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Abdurrahman said the police would enforce the shutdown of public places, including places of worship, to check the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, quoted the commissioner as saying this in a statement on Wednesday.
Ndukwe said that the commissioner reassured the general public of his command’s unwavering commitment to enforce the government’s restriction orders on curbing the spread of the Coronavirus.
“This reassurance is in view of the agreement reached between the government of Enugu State and leaders of religious organisations to shut down places of worship until further notice.
“And the consequent denial by the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, of media reports alleging that he opposed the government and police by not shutting down branches of the church over the COVID-19 pandemic as agreed.
“The Commissioner, while taking into cognisance the priestly agreement and rebuttal of the alleged media reports, has enjoined citizenry, especially members of the clergy, to ensure continuous compliance with the orders and shutdown of churches, mosques and other public places of worship.
“He noted that the Command will continue to professionally do everything within it powers to enforce the orders as stipulated, irrespective of whose Ox is gored,’’ he said.
The police spokesman also noted that the commissioner advised the citizenry to remain vigilante, steadfast and prayerful in the fight against the deadly scourge.
“The citizenry should reach the Command on 08032003702, 08075390882 or 08086671202, or by sending electronic mail to [email protected] for emergencies, complaints, inquiries, and suggestions,’’ he said.