By Sanni Taofeek, Lagos
Some members of the Victorious Army International Church, Acme Road, Ogba on Sunday, 22 March, 2020 attacked police personnel attached to the state Rapid Response Squad (RRS), The Gazelle News.com reports.
The Gazelle News.com also reports that the TVC reporter, Ivy Kanu; and her cameraman attached to the team were also attacked by the church members.
The Gazelle News.com reports further that the RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, had led a team of the RRS personnel to the church to enforce the directive by the state government limiting gathering to a maximum of 50 people.
The enforcement, The Gazelle News.com reports further, was based on 
the directive of the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem. Odumosu.
The Disu team got to the Acme Road branch of the church at around 9:00 a.m. only to be locked out by the church. Officials of the church were seen scampering around to inform other members of the presence of the police.
When the entrance gate was opened, some belligerent church members who saw one of the enforcement officers recording the church activities attacked them, seized two mobile phones, a Samsung S 8+ and Samsung J4.
RRS in Church
The members equally attacked TVC reporter, Ivy Kanu and almost seized her phone. TVC camera man was equally attacked as they tried unsuccessfully to prevent hm from recording in and out of the church premises.
DCP Disu in de-escalating the crisis prevailed on the management of the church to discontinue the service and prune down the attendance to reflect the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu’s directive.
As at the time of filing this report, one of the phones, a Samsung S 8+ is still being held by the church after reluctantly producing a Samsung J4.
The team commenced compliance monitoring as early as 7:00 a.m. visited religious organisations in Alausa, Agidingbi, ACME Road, Akilo, Ogba, Aguda, Yahaya Abatan, Omole, Ojodu, Ogudu, Oregun, Toyin, Ikeja GRA, Allen and Opebi. Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Olowopopo, Jobi Fele Way, Alapere, Oba Akran and Obafemi Awolowo Way.
There was total compliance on all the places visited. Some churches visited had their services online while some had banners tied to their entrance informing worshippers to go back home.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu has advised Lagosians, club owners and religious bodies to comply with State Government’s directive, as the police would continue to monitor compliance.
Copyright: The Gazelle News.com
