The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has cautioned residents especially its members against taking the partial lifting of the lockdown to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state for granted.

The state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai had on June 9, partially lifted the 75 days lockdown on the state since March 26, 2020, and directed that Christians and Muslims could worship only on Fridays and Sundays while adhering strictly to the COVID-19 health protocols.

However, with the increase of cases in the state, the CAN has cautioned residents to be careful.

According to the state chairman of CAN, Rev. John Hayab, corona-virus is real.

Hayab in a statement released on Saturday, commended both the federal and state government for their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The Christian body also hailed health workers for risking themselves to save lives, asking God to protect them.

The statement entitled: “Surging Higher; Citizens Should Not Be Complacent,”  reads in part,  “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State wish to commend the Government, both at state and federal levels, for all she is doing to stop the spread of Covid-19.

“CAN sincerely appreciates the government and we are praying in our places of worship to God to protect you all and give you more wisdom to safeguard our health.

“However, CAN has observed that the number of infected persons is increasing in our state and all over the country.

“It is in view of these developments that we are again appealing to religious leaders to intensify their preaching and educating followers to obey every health prescriptive measures to curb the spread of the pandemic

.“Since the Government and our health workers alone can not do it. If we become complacent and allow this virus to spread, it will be disastrous to all of us.

“Accordingly, no religious leader should be in any denial that this virus is real.

“Faith leaders and worshippers must not abuse the lifting of the lockdown and the freedom we have to meet at our worship centres but instead, we should use it judiciously to preach, sensitize and encourage all faithful to do all the protocols both in our worship centres, at home and anywhere they find themselves.

“The war against the Covid-19 is not yet over and nobody should treat this matter with levity.

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“Our prayers will not be complete without obedience to the laydown protocols aimed at safeguarding our health.

“Everyone needs to play their own role, patiently making more sacrifices for us to get out of this challenge of COVID-19.

“Pastors and all Church leaders should be seen doing what is right and leading followers to do the same.”