Lockdown breach: Bayelsa government seals Living Faith church, five others

Bayelsa State Government has sealed six churches for breaching operational protocols required to conduct services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the ease of lockdown in the state, government had allowed churches to hold services with only 50 worshipers.

However, the State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr Freston Akpor, on Monday said the Security Sub – Committee of the state’s Task Force on COVID-19, sealed churches that did not comply with its directive.

Akpor identified the churches as, “Living Faith Church, Igbogene, Salvation Victory Centre, Igbogene, Shalom International Christian Centre, along Tombia-Amassoma road and Great Grace Distinguished Assembly, Okutukutu.

He said the churches failed to comply with safety measures put in place by the state government to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, the protocols violated include wearing of face masks and observance of social distancing.

Other churches are Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Opolo and Hebrews International Church, Ayama road.

He added that the churches will remain sealed until further notice to serve as deterrent to other churches.

Akpor further, disclosed that the state government on Sunday unsealed two churches, the Halleluya Deliverance Ministry International and Embassy Faith churches after an undertaken to comply with prescribed safety protocols.