Ilorin
Churches in Ilorin the Kwara state capital on Easter Sunday, remained empty as christians complied with the lockdown order to guard against the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 in the state.
Our correspondent who went around Ilorin metropolis observed that the churches were under lock and key while security operatives were seen patrolling the enforce the lockdown directive.
However, violators of the order at Maraba area were asked to do community service by picking debris on the road.
Speaking on the lockdown and the festival the Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Kwara State chapter, Reverend Reubens Idowu Ibitoye said despite the trying moment occasioned by Coronavrus, Christian celebrated the Easter Sunday in high spirit in their homes.
He nonetheless stressed the need for the state government to do more in combating the Coronavirus by letting the palliatives go round, to cushion the effect of the lockdown.
He said: “We give Glory to God Almighty for making all of us to be alive, that is why we are celebrating Easter so that we give Glory to God for sparing our lives.
” We are celebrating this year Easter indoors because of the pandemic,known as Coronavrus ravaging the world. we are celebrating indoors so that we don’t contract it or spread it.
“The celebration may be low key but to we the Christians, it is not because there is no way we can celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ in a low key.
Inside our spirit, it is high celebrating our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ as demonstrated by most Christian families by marking the festival in joyous mood in their homes.
“They were in high spirit celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with high sense of optimism that the pandemic will soon be part of our history.
” By His grace in 2021, we shall mark the festival in actual meaning of the word “high spirit.”
Other clerics who commented on the festival urged Christians to be steadfast in their prayer for the nations of the world, including Nigeria, to get over the pandemic disease sooner than later.
They also called on the faithful to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ in their deeds as part of their toward peace and meaningful development in the society.
