In order to forestall any further outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Niger State Government has placed ban all night travels of vehicles and people from 6:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello made this known when he addressed the COVID-19 State Taskforce Commitee at the Government House, Minna.
The Governor noted that, having reviewed the existing lockdown order, there was a need to strengthen it in order to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.
He said the night travel ban has become necessary as it was the period used by motorists to convey people and goods from one state to the others, thereby flouting the lockdown order, added that the three index cases recorded in the state were all travellers.
Governor Sani Bello directed that security at all borders of the state be reinforced through the deployment of conventional security outfits and volunteers like Red cross, Boys Brigade and ‘Yan Agaji’.
The Governor also directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to discuss with various unions such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to ensure their cooperation on the interstate ban.
On the repatriation of Almajiris, the SSG, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane revealed that eight Isolation Centres had been identified in the eight Emirate Councils where the would be profiled, tested for COVID-19 before been repatriated to their state of origin under strict supervision of the state government.
The SSG disclosed that the state government will soon increase its capacity to test more people so that the state can actually know its true position and status on COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the state government has reiterated that Tuesday, Friday and Sunday strictly remain the window days for restocking while insisting on the intra and inter-state border ban.
The SSG reminded that violators of the use of face mask and none adherence to the social distancing order risks prosecution while urging the citizens to always observe personal hygiene and stay safe.
