Taraba orders indefinite lockdown over spike of COVID-19 cases

Worried by the increasing number of confirmed cases of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic in its neighbouring states, the Taraba state government has ordered for a 24-hour lockdown throughout the state.

Deputy Governor, Haruna Manu gave the order late Tuesday during a statewide broadcast in Jalingo, the state capital.

Manu, who said the state government took the decision to curb the spread and  safeguard the people from the deadly disease, explained that the total lockdown throughout the 16 local government areas of the state would begin April 22, at 11pm till further notice.

“It has become necessary in view of the increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our neighbouring states, in spite of the fact that we have not recorded any confirmed case in Taraba state so far, but we must not be complacent,” he said.

The deputy governor further stated that regulated movement of the public was only allowed between 10am and 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays to allow citizens to purchase household essentials.

According to him, the only exceptions are workers on essential duties such as health workers, pharmaceutical shops, filling wtations and media houses among others.

While calling on security operatives to checkmate the activities of private and commercial vehicles violating the principles of social distancing by overloading their vehicles with passengers, Manu emphasized that violators of the directive will be arrested and prosecuted.

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“Vehicles found on the road during the period of the lockdown will be impounded and a mobile court will be established to promptly try offenders at the various points of entry into the state.

“Security operatives should check the influx of commercial tricycles from unknown destinations into Jalingo metropolis and other towns in the state.

“Security operatives should arrest any unauthorized motorcycle movement within Jalingo metropolis, since the ban on the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes is still in force.

“Worship centres, such as mosques and churches are hereby closed until further notice,” he said.

The deputy governor also directed that all weddings, naming ceremonies and other parties remain suspended until further notice.

Also, he added that security operatives have been ordered to mount surveillance check-points at entry points in Ibi, Wukari, Mayo-Lope, Zing, and Takum-Katsina/Ala highways.

The security operatives were further directed to work with local government chairmen of Takum, Ussa, Kurmi and Sardauna Local Government Councils to seal off entry points along the Cameroon border.

“Let me also remind you of the importance of regular washing of hands, use of sanitizers, social distancing and the need for us to stay at home. 

“These have proved globally to be very effective weapons against the spread of the coronavirus,” he added.