By PATRICK ODEY, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Government has sealed off a Christ Embassy church in Uyo, the state capital, for allegedly flouting guidelines for reopening of churches amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem, who announced the development in a statement on Sunday, expressed dismay at the action of the pastors and congregants who reportedly attacked members of the state COVID-19 monitoring team.

Ekuwem said, “Today, Sunday 21 June, 2020, the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria Monitoring Team, while on a routine compliance/inspection visit to Christ Embassy Church, Nung Akpa Ime branch off Nsikak Eduok Avenue to enforce the guidelines and protocols adopted to prevent the community spread of the dreaded COVID-19, were obstructed, attacked and brutalised by the pastors and some members of the church.

“In response to this act of lawlessness by the church and in order to avoid the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State, the Christ Embassy Church building and premises are hereby sealed with immediate effect till further notice.

“The pastors and relevant members of the church will be made to face the wrath of the law.” (Sunday PUNCH)