By Shuaibu Zubair Tatu , Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has restricted routes from midnight of Saturday, 28th March 2020 as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of the coronavirus ,covid 19.
Bagudu gave the order in a special broadcast Friday in Birnin Kebbi in furtherance of measures to preventing the spread of Corona Virus to the state , saying that regrettably, cases of Corona Virus have been on the increase in Nigeria, mostly linked to people with travel history.
He explained that the restriction order did not affect vehicles on emergency services, security agencies or those transporting food, fuel and pharmaceutical products , saying that all public places including events have been directed to limit the gathering of people at a time while all large gatherings have been discouraged.
” Furthermore the administration has directed all markets to operate minimal hours, under close monitoring by the Task Force on Corona Virus to reduce gathering of people and i also order that all schools including Islamiyya and Almajiri Schools should remain closed till further notice,” he said.
The government made it clear that the stay at home order was tailored towards minimizing the gathering of many people in one place.
Bagudu emphasised that the measures were necessary and not aimed at molesting, intimidating or suppressing any individual or group of people.
Consequently, the government regrets any inconvenience such measures might cause.
The governor said that the Task Force would enforce the directive, saying that the measures would be relaxed as soon as confidence has been restored that the pandemic threat no longer exist.
He urged the people of Kebbi state to show understanding and appreciate the situation as well as support all initiatives directed at controlling the spread of the Corona Virus to the state.
He thanked the people of the state, specifically health agencies and those involved in dealing with the challenge.
Bagudu said the administration has adopted strategies to minimize risk of contagion, such as improvement in hygiene, provision of sanitizers in public places, temperature check at airport, border entry points and public places, social distancing, closure of schools and stay at home for public servants.
” Also carried out were mobilization of community and religious leaders, town hall meeting, establishment of task force, identifying isolation centre as well as additional funding by the state and local governments.
” Kebbi state shared border with the Republics of Benin and Niger which demanded extra vigilance because inspite of border closure, movement of persons has not been prohibited .
” We thank Allah that no case of Corona Virus has to date, been recorded in Kebbi state, but cautioned that its existence elsewhere made it incumbent on all of us to be more vigilant and increase our surveillance ”, he said.
He pleaded to airport staff, national union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, Federal Road Safety Commission, Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIOs, Nigeria Immigration Service, Motor Parks and travellers to pay more attention and comply with recommended measures on ground.
Bagudu further said that those infected by the virus might or might not exhibit symptoms, but warned that anyone who has been travelling to places suspected to have contact with another infected or tested positive should immediately report to the nearest health centre or contact the Taskforce.
” In addition, those exhibiting difficulty in breathing, painful cough and fever are privileged to call emergency phone numbers provided by the Task Force ”, he
said.
Governor said the people should abide by the measures put in place, adding that the town hall meeting held was a clear indication that the state was united in the fight against the Corona virus.
