Ilorin
Kwara State Government on Sunday, expressed concern over disobedience by many residents in the state to non-movement order put in place to check the spread of Coronavrus in the state.
Mr Kayode Alabi, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Kwara State Technical Committee expressed the displeasure during a news briefing in Ilorin.
He reiterated that vehicular movement, especially commercial ones,had been restricted except trucks ferrying foods and drugs.
“Private and other commercial vehicles are barred and risk being arrested and prosecuted if found on the road,” Alabi warned.
Alabi said the markets in the state remained open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8a.m. and 12noon but that residents were allowed to walk to markets in their neighbourhood without using vehicles.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all our markets remain open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8a.m. and 12noon for people to restock food and other essentials.
“But there shall be no vehicular movement of any kind except for those on essential duties and trucks conveying foods and drugs and associated services earlier exempted.
“For emphasis, Okada, Keke Napep, taxi, private vehicles and other vehicular movements are disallowed.
“People are to patronise only markets nearer to their places of residence. Movement to the markets shall be by foot.
“Anyone caught violating these regulations will be prosecuted in the mobile courts and sanctioned accordingly.
“People are to note that convictions at these mobile courts carries the same consequences as other judicial convictions,”he added.
Alabi recalled that the state had recorded five new COVID-19 cases, bringing the tally to nine confirmed cases.
He said of the figure, two had recovered and haf since been discharged.
According to him, the five new cases are contacts from the previous cases, pointing out that they have been in self isolation from where their samples were taken.
“Our hardworking rapid response team have since started aggressive contact tracing of persons who have had contacts with them.
“This is to prevent community transmission of the disease and put us in firm control of the situation.
“”We are in a dire situation and drastic measures we have taken are required to urgently contain the spread of this virus before it kills everyone or brings down human civilisation as it is threatening to do.
“Our best shot is to stay at home, maintain physical distancing, constantly washing our hands, and practice good coughing or sneezing etiquette, among other safety protocols.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, who spoke on behalf of the commanders said the security agencies focused on enforcement of the directive of the government on movement.
The police boss in the state, however admonished,“Going forward, anyone caught violating the no-movement directive will be arrested and prosecuted in the mobile courts.”
Egbetokun, who observed that the directives were in the interest of the people, promised that security agencies in the state would ensure that the directives wre implemented to the letter to save lives.
