Update: Cameroonian Refugees In Cross River Receive Relief Items

Some Cameroonian refugees seeking asylum in Cross River State on Tuesday received relief items aimed at cushioning the harsh economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The items, which were said to worth millions of naira, were distributed by the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR) in collaboration with the National Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, And Internally displaced persons.

The refugee settlement located at Adagom and Ukende/Akpakpanga in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State serves as a home for thousands of refugees.

According to the UNHCR, Cross River State plays host to over 70 thousand refugees and the agency intends to strengthen COVID-19 awareness within the camp.

The refugees were also presented with cleaning agents and other products to encourage proper hygiene and prevent COVID-19 spread in the camp.

Meanwhile,  the Cross River State government has lifted the ban on public worship earlier imposed as part of the measures against coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.

Governor Ben Ayade gave the directive on Wednesday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita.

According to him, the directive will take effect from Sunday, May 24, but the use of face masks remains compulsory for all worshippers.

The governor ordered that worships in Churches and Mosques should be permitted but limited to their sitting capacities.

He also asked the authorities in various places of worship to provide buckets for worshippers to wash their hands or sanitisers in the absence of water.

Governor Ayade thanked the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Christians of various denominations, as well as the Muslim community in Cross River for their support and cooperation during the period of the ban.

He noted that the understanding and cooperation of religious leaders contributed immensely in keeping the state free of COVID-19 so far.

According to the governor, the decision to lift the ban on public worship follows the consideration of the ‘spiritual economy’ and in response to appeals by religious leaders in the state.