FCTA Okays Crossover Night Service For Abuja Churches

• Demands strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols

BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says Churches in Abuja can conduct crossover night services but in strict observance of COVID-19 protocols.

However, amid growing fears about the second wave of the virus, FCTA warned church leaders against breaching existing health regulations in the nation’s capital.

With many state governments cautioning churches against holding crossover night services because of the virus spread, the FCT COVID-19 Task Force charged all church leaders to ensure rules’ compliance by all worshippers.

Head, Media and Public Enlightenment of the Task Force, Comrade Ikaro Attah appealed for cooperation among church leaders in obeying government and security personnel directives in averting the virus spread within the territory.

Responding to reporters’ questions on Wednesday, Comrade Attah said a combined team of the Task Force will go round worship centres to monitor compliance during the services

He said it is important that worshippers and church leaderships support government’s decision aimed at promoting the progress and development of the territory.

“As an enforcement team that take directives from FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and the Commissioner of Police, we are working in collaboration with leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at all levels and league of Imams.

“We had discussions with religious leaders on the need to obey the COVID-19 protocols, so all those who will be engaging in crossover night worship service must adhere strictly to the guidelines. They should put on their face mask, provide washing hand basin as well as keep physical distancing”.

He stated that by the Task Force’s estimation, “all the worship Centres should not be overcrowded”.

Also advising worshippers to join the programme through online platforms, Comrade Attah said; “For those who will not comply we would not overlook them to jeopardize the lives of others, those that fail to comply will be brought before the court for prosecution. Again, the centre where the protocol is flouted will be shut.

“We appeal to religious leaders and the worshippers to obey the COVID-19 protocols.”

Attah however warned that any worship centre that contravenes the COVID-19 protocols would be sanctioned.