Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has directed the complete lockdown of the state for Twenty four Hours for the next two weeks starting from the 13th of April, 2020.
Following the announcement of a confirmed case of the deadly Corona Virus (COVID-19) disease in Minna, the state capital.
However, a window is created to allow people replenish household essentials, on the following days, Thursday 16th April, Monday 20th April, Thursday 23rd April and Monday 27th April, 2020 from 6am to 6pm, added that the window was not for social or religious activities as any one caught flaunting the order will face the wrath of the law.
In an address to Nigerlites, the Governor said the decisive action became necessary in order to endure the pains of today and avoid the consequential damage of tomorrow.
He disclosed that the confirmed covid-19 case was one Abubakar Sani from Limawa area of Minna, who travelled and returned home two weeks ago, adding the he didn’t get access to his family on return but has endangered those he travelled with in the same vehicle as well as other neighbours.
The Governor directed that the entire Limawa area in Minna should be quarantined while patrol within the streets of Minna should be carried out extensively.
Governor Sani Bello noted that it was time for collective action, rather than sentiments, against the pandemic, adding that if the situation gets worse, the state do not have enough manpower, resources or technical knowhow to curtail the spread.
Accordingly, the Governor directed all political appointees to go back to their Local Government Areas to coordinate and monitor activities and, most importantly, carry out sensitization and report back to the state government at the centre.
The Governor also maintained that the lockdown does not affect those on special duties and essential services especially those that carry food and pharmaceuticals as well as Vigilantes .
He stated that, in case of any casualty, only the NSTA vehicles will be available or deployed for emergency services as all parks are expected to remain closed.
The Governor also directed the committee on Covid-19 to provide palliatives to those that are in dire need and also provide reflective jackets for the taskforce on essential service to be distributed to all the Local Government Areas and other members.
Meanwhile, the state Ministry of Health has set up additional isolation centres to attend to cases that may come their way while the only confirmed case is already isolated and being taken care of.
The Governor expressed appreciation to all those who have donated to the government towards ameliorating the sufferings of the people.
