Henry Ndukuba, primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, says COVID-19 vaccines are not the mark of 666 as speculated by some Nigerians.
He said this at the standing committee meeting of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, which began on February 8 and ended on February 14 — with a church service at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra.
According to a full text of the meeting obtained by NAN on Sunday, Ndukuba said many people had been suggesting that anyone who received the COVID-19 vaccine would have received the anti-Christ number 666.
He said this claim was untrue as the vaccine was just like any other used to prevent illnesses caused by viruses.
“COVID-19 is already in our villages and communities; we have lost some members to COVID-19 infections. Many people are very complaisant and careless because they believe it is a rich people’s disease or it is not real,” he said.
“COVID-19 is real and it kills. Some people are peddling unfounded campaign against the COVID-19 Vaccines; they suggest that anyone receiving the vaccine will receive the anti-Christ number 666.
“Let it be clear that COVID-19 is a virus that is ravaging the world and killing people. We give glory to God that we have higher survival rate in Nigeria.
“This disease is like Polio, Yellow Fever and other virus diseases that we receive vaccines to prevent. Those who are infected are being treated and many recover.
“The medical personnel administer drugs to cure them which does not initiate them with the 666. This vaccine is like any other that we receive to prevent diseases caused by virus.
“The End Time signs are here but the severe persecutions and tribulations have yet to come fully. We should be careful not to propagate stories that are not true and which can only be destructive to the lives of our people.”
While asking Nigerians to engage in prayers and fasting against the pandemic, he also advised total adherence to all COVID-19 protocol.
“Everyone should keep the non-Pharmaceutical procedures such as keeping social distance, use of face mask, hand washing with soap under running water, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and others,” he said.
“It is a virus and an enemy of our lives and at the name of Jesus Christ, COVID-19 must be destroyed; God has preserved our lives till today and He will protect and keep us till the end.
“We plead that the federal and state governments should procure vaccines and give to all our citizens, especially the most vulnerable group. The incidence of the COVID-19 has exposed the poor state of Nigerian healthcare delivery system.”
Ndukuba appealed to Anglican dioceses and parishes to intensify the establishment of health clinics and hospitals that would cater for members, especially the poor and the vulnerable.
He also appreciated the efforts of all health workers who have treated infected persons.
“We commiserate with all those who lost their dear one in this pandemic. May God stand by us and carry us through this challenging period victoriously,” he added.
