Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has announced the immediate closure of two churches, a seminary school as well as a hospital belonging to the Assemblies of God Church in Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of the state.

The closure was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, on Wednesday.

The statement said that the governor’s decision to close the church was as a result of a leadership tussle in the Assemblies of God Church in Saminaka District.

Governor El-Rufai said that the measure, which was the outcome of the State Security Council meeting held on Tuesday, September 15, was to forestall a possible breakdown of law and order in the area and by extension, the entire state.

The statement gave the names of the churches shut down to include, Theological Seminary of Northern Nigeria, (TSNN) Saminaka, Shalom Comprehensive College, Saminaka, Assemblies of God Church, Nmbare, Saminaka, Assemblies of God Church (Jerusalem) Saminaka and Evangelist Hospital, Saminaka.

The government, according to the statement, said it would not tolerate the use of religion and ethnicity to cause crisis in the state.

It also warned to prosecute anyone, no matter his or her societal standing implicated in causing a breach of peace in the state.

Governor El-Rufai explained that, those who might be affected as a result of the closure of the affected school and hospital would be admitted into government schools or hospitals, if they exercise the option.

The council, Governor El-Rufai noted, also directed that the status quo with regard to farmlands, houses and other assets of the church be upheld pending resolution of the leadership crisis, which is a matter before the Supreme Court. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.

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