The Lagos State Task Force on COVID-19 has arrested 65 persons for attending a party amid coronavirus lockdown order. 

Reports indicate that the violators held a birthday party at the 84 Parks and Gardens in Abule - Egba, Lagos State. 

The venue of the event was sealed by Taskforce officials and other agencies organized to mitigate crime associated with lockdown violations. 

The arrest was executed following a tip-off from an anonymous member of the public. 

Dolapo Fasawe, the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), said the violators had been handed over to the police for further investigations. 

She said it is the duty of Residents to help the government in the fight against the pandemic by obeying orders. 

She added, "it is no longer business as usual in the state; the pandemic has united us all and encourages citizen participation in terms of information sharing. We responded around 3.10 pm after receiving the information, and surprisingly, we met the youth, who were shabbily dressed for a birthday party.

"It should not be difficult for us to obey simple instructions and adhere strictly to safety regulations to flatten the curve so that normalcy can return to the world.

"The facility has been sealed off, while the youths were taken away by the police for further investigation and profiling, and this is to appeal to parents and guardians to seriously warn their children and wards to stay away from unlawful gatherings. All hands are on deck to ensure that there is no hiding place for flagrant violators."

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, also confirmed the act, he disclosed this in a statement. He said some of the attendees were consuming some substances suspected to be illicit drugs. 

"Some of the suspects were found in the swimming pool catching fun, in total neglect of the social distancing regulations and the lockdown order. The suspects, who are within the age range of 16 to 45, confessed to have left their various homes for the hotel in defiance of the sit at home order.

"The manager of the hotel was equally arrested and the hotel has been sealed off by the relevant agencies of the state government. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged."

The violators are presently under the custody of the police. Investigation is going on to arrest those involved who escaped. 

The Governor of the State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, earlier addressed Lagosians on conditions for easing lockdown in the state. Part of which states that parties should be on hold as a measure to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

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