As part of the efforts to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, the Federal government of Nigeria has said it will deploy the military and police to enforce social distancing.

The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed made this known while speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

He strongly disapproved some religious leaders’ decision to flout directives to avoid large gatherings as he stressed that some mosques and churches opened for prayers and service on Friday and Sunday respectively against the directive of the government.

According to him, ‘The Federal Government is aware that some political and religious leaders have either denied the existence of coronavirus or have defied the directives to avoid a large gathering. Leaders of all hues must show great responsibility at this time. They must avoid putting the lives of not just their followers but also those of the general public in danger. For those who would continue to flout the directives aimed at checking the spread of this disease, the long arm of the law will soon catch them’.

He urged Nigerians to take responsibility and do what they are required to do to stay safe and should be prepared for tougher measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus as the Presidential Task Force on the Control of Coronavirus had recommended some tougher measures which would be released later today or tomorrow morning.

Lai then appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the efforts of the government at all levels to defeat the disease as all hands should be on deck for the situation not to get worse as it is now stressing that whatever decision is taken will be in the best interest of Nigerians.