COVID-19: Stay at home or risk arrest, Ortom warns Benue residents

Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom has warned people of the state to comply with the stay at home directive with effect from today or be ready to face arrest and prosecution by security operatives.

The governor, who undertook the tour of major markets within Makurdi metropolis including Modern Market, Wurukum and North Bank Market, told those who were selling wards and goods that the coronavirus is real with one victim in Benue state.

He explained that the stay at home directive was not to punish the people, but a precautionary measure put in place by government to protect others from contracting the disease which cure is yet to be found.

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The governor who advised people to practice social distancing, cover their mouth when sneezing, avoid handshakes and report anyone with difficulty in coughing to the nearest hospital for medical attention, said security agents have been mobilized to ensure total compliance with the restriction order.

He directed people to buy food items and stock their houses for consumption during the stay at home period and regretted the suffering that the situation may bring to their famines.

Some of the traders who spoke to Daily Times said government would have provided enough food before directing families to stay at home, saying even though the coronavirus was dreaded, but hunger can also kill as fast as the pandemic.