Nung Akpa Ime branch, of the Christ Embassy Church Uyo, has been sealed by Akwa Ibom state Government after it’s pastors and members allegedly attacked the COVID-19 team.
This was disclosed in a statement by the secretary to the state government (SSG) and chairman of the COVID-19 management committee, Mr Emmanuel Ekwuwem.
According to the statement, the decision by the state Government was as a result of lawlessness by the church and in effort to protect the lives of citizens of the state.
The statement reads:
“The Christ Embassy Church building and premises are hereby sealed off with immediate effect till further notice,” adding that the “suspected Pastors and relevant members of the church will be made to face the wrath of the law.”
“today, Sunday 21 June, 2020, the Akwa Ibom State Government and Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) Monitoring Team, while on a routine compliance/inspection visit to the Christ Embassy Church, Nung Akpa Ime branch, State House of Assembly Road, off Nsikak Eduok Avenue to enforce the Akwa Ibom State government/Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)/World Health Organisation ( WHO)/Christian Association( CAN) Guidelines and Protocols adopted to prevent community spreading of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic in Akwa Ibom State, were obstructed, attacked and brutalized by the Pastors and some members of the church.
” In response to this act of lawlessness by that 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 off with immediate effect till further notice.”