COVID 19: Kebbi State Government Restricts Entry, Exit into State

Kebbi State Government has taken further plausible measures to support the ongoing formidable fight against the raging global Corona Virus Pandemic.

This measure is sequel to other measures that had been successfully implemented in the state by the State Government, anchored by Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

With the latest measures, entry into the state and exit out of it have both been restricted with effect from Midnight, Saturday, March 28, 2020.

The State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu reeled out the order in a Special Statewide Broadcast to the people of the state, Friday, March 27, 2020.

The Governor explained that, the restriction order did not affect vehicles on emergency services, security agencies or those transporting food, fuel and pharmaceutical products.

These people-friendly and public-spirited exemptions are to effectively cushion the unexpected impact on the livelihoods of the peace loving people and law abiding of the state.

Furthermore, the administration has directed all markets to operate minimal hours, under close monitoring by the Task Force on Corona Virus, to reduce social gatherings of the people.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu also ordered that all schools including Islamiyya and Almajiri Schools, should remain closed till further notice.

In addition, all public places, including events centres have been directed to limit the gathering of people at a time, while all large gatherings have been discouraged and would be frowned at.

The government made it clear that the stay at home order was tailored towards minimizing the gathering of many people in one place.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu further emphasised that, the measures were necessary and not aimed at molesting, intimidating or suppressing any individual or group of people, based on any political, religious or ethnic affiliations.

He added, "These are all encompassing and general actions, targeting all of us and they are totally binding.

"Consequently, the government regrets any inconvenience such necessary measures might cause."

The governor also announced that, the State Task Force on the Pandemic would enforce the directive to the latter.

He said that, the measures would be relaxed as soon as confidence has been restored, while he happily assured that, the pandemic's threat no longer exist.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu urged the people of Kebbi state to continue to show understanding and solidarity, while they should appreciate the situation.

"They should as well sustain their current tempo of support to all the initiatives directed at controlling the spread of the Corona Virus to the state, "Senator Bagudu, further averred.

He thanked the people of the state, specifically health agencies and those involved in dealing with the challenge.

The Governor recalled that, already the administration had adopted some moderate efficacious 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, among others.

Also carried out were mobilization of community and religious leaders, town hall meetings, establishment of task force, identifying isolation centre, as well as additional funding by the state and local governments.

The governor drew people’s attention that Kebbi state shared borders with the Republics of Benin and Niger, which demanded extra vigilance.

The Governor added, "this is because in spite of the border closure, movement of persons has not been prohibited."

He averred that in spite of the inconvenience and disruption such measures might have caused, they were beneficial in response to the pandemic.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was thankful to the Almighty Allah that no case of Corona Virus has to date, been recorded in Kebbi state, even as he solicited for the sustained fervent prayers of the people.

He however cautioned," its existence elsewhere made it incumbent on all of us to be more vigilant and increase our surveillance.

"Regrettably, cases of Corona Virus have been on the increase in Nigeria, mostly linked to people with travel history out of the shores of Nigeria."

He requested 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 travelers, to pay more attention and comply with recommended measures on ground.

The governor informed the public 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 strongly advised to call the emergency telephone numbers provided by the Task Force.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu also requested the people to abide by the measures put in place, adding," It is delighting that, the town hall meeting held was a clear indication that, the state was irrevocably united in the fight against the Corona Virus Disease.

Signed:
YAHAYA SARKI
SA Media to Kebbi State Governor
27/3/2020