By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

The attention of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Local Church Council Diye Tohort, Jos South LGA, Plateau State has been drawn to a news report on the website of Guardian newspaper, purporting that Church service, on Sunday March 29, 2020 witnessed a “massive attendance” in defiance of government order prohibiting religious and social gatherings of more than 50 persons.

The report tagged “Churches defy government order on large gatherings in Jos” for the records is a far cry from the truth.

A statement signed by Rev. Moses Dagurum , the Leading Pastor, COCIN LCC Diye-Tohort,RCC Dadin Kowa, Jos, Plateau State made available to newsmen in Jos reads that “To begin with, COCIN LCC Diye Tohort is a law-abiding Church, committed to raising kingdom-oriented believers whose lives reflect the obedient lifestyle of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The Church could therefore not have flouted government orders as purported. This would be a direct affront to the Bible, which in Romans 13:1-7 commands us to obey constituted authorities as service to God.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive Council of COCIN, through the General Secretary had since Monday, March 23, 2020 directed all its Church units to split their congregations into small groups of 50, and observe all guidelines provided by government. In compliance to this, the leadership of COCIN Diye-Tohort divided its membership into small house fellowships.

It was at these house cells simultaneous Sunday services were held, with none lasting more than 1hr30mins. At all of these services, attendance fell within the 50 persons margin with adequate spacing and hand washing facilities provided.

After the Services, the Church leadership still met and resolved to further split the existing units into more groups to ensure population does not exceed the 50-person benchmark, in case of any increase.

The Guardian news report therefore came as a rude shock. At these trying times, the world is looking up to journalists for accurate information to guide them in their daily choices. Such unfounded reports therefore insult the credibility of the media, and its integrity as the dependable eye of the society. The report from its lack of byline and verifiable details clearly shows it was either hurriedly written, or written with ill-will.

However, as members of the faith, we simply want to appeal to journalists to always verify their facts before going to press. Anything short could erode public confidence in the media, and in some cases, destroy the society that the media exists to protect.

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