Christians in Osun, on Sunday, celebrated Easter indoors due to lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus in the state.
Also, many of the relaxation centres in Osogbo where people used to visit with their loved ones to celebrate Easter, were devoid of activities.
Residents were, however, seen in major markets buying foodstuffs and meat to celebrate Easter at home.
Some Christians, who spoke with NAN in Osogbo, expressed displeasure over their inability to celebrate Easter due to the lockdown order by the state government.
They described the situation as “unusual one”, which denied Christians the opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Mr Kolapo Olumuyiwa, a member of Anglican Church, said it had never happened before that Christians would be confined to their homes to celebrate Easter because of lockdown.
Olumuyiwa said that his family could not go to church or visit friends to celebrate Easter.
He, however, added that he bought enough food and drinks to celebrate with his family at home.
Mrs Ruth Ayodeji, a Catholic faithful, corroborated Olumuyiwa’s view, saying that the inability of Christians to celebrate Easter because of coronavirus, was unprecedented.
Ayodeji said her family could not attend the special mass for Easter, adding “we will celebrate the Easter indoor.
For Mrs Carolina Ejiofor, celebrating Easter indoor without attending the church service is a memory she will never forget.
“It’s very painful but we pray God to fight the coronavirus battle for us,’’ Ejiofor said.
NAN reports that Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun had on March 29, announced total lockdown of the state, from midnight of March 31, as part of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are currently 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Osun, out of which 11 patients have been discharged.
