Benue State government has reviewed the lockdown in the state and subsequently asked Churches and Mosques to resume their activities.
This decision to reopen the places of worship was reached on Thursday during the state executive council and the state Action Committee on COVID-19 chaired by the state governor, Samuel Ortom at the state government house, Makurdi.
However, the religious leaders were advised to observe distancing worship sessions.
The state civil servants of grade levels 1 to 12 were ordered to return to work with effect from June 1, 2020.
The communiqué from the meeting further states in part:
“Churches and Mosques with effect from today Thursday, May 21, 2020, are to hold staggered worship sessions.
“This implies that a Church or Mosque which before now held two worship sessions should henceforth conduct four sessions in a day.
“The workers are advised to always wear face masks and maintain social distancing as they go to work.
“Markets will be partially opened to enable traders access their shops.
“Street trading is encouraged but strictly obeying social distancing protocol on COVID-19.”
It also said that the ongoing curfew in the state had been reviewed and would now be between 8pm and 6am daily, until further notice while the inter-state movement remained prohibited, except for those on essential services.
