Christians resident in Kafanchan in Kaduna State on Sunday could not attend the usual Sunday church service as a result of the curfew imposed on the city.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, rather, they had to stay in their respective homes in compliance with the restriction on movements within the city.
A 24-hour curfew had been imposed on the city on Friday in following civil unrest in the area.
A NAN correspondent who monitored the situation in the city, which is the Jama’a Local Government Area’s headquarters, observed that this was against the usual practice.
There was always a large turnout of Christians on Sundays for services, but this time around the city’s streets were empty as residents stayed in their houses.
Some of the residents who spoke to NAN said the presence and strict measures adopted by security agents made it impossible for them to go to their respective churches.
Mr Wisdom Adams of Anwuan Galadima said however it was an obligation for him as a Christian to respect constituted authority.
“I stayed at home with my family to observe Sunday service. I had a good time with my family, as we sang songs and offered prayers for peace for our community and the nation,” he said.
Mrs Grace Dauda of Garaje said other neighbours joined them while they sang from their house’s sitting room.
“The situation brought families and friends together to offer prayers for lasting peace in Kafanchan,” she said.
Dauda however urged the local government authorities to relax the curfew so as to ease the hardship being faced by the city’s residents, who are largely Christians.
Mr Stephen Anche, a cleric, told NAN that God heard and answered prayers irrespective of where and when they were offered.
“We urged Christians to offer prayers in their homes while the curfew lasts, as God hears the prayers of believers anytime and anywhere,’’ he said.
