COVID-19: Abdulrazaq Orders Closure of All Borders

Kwara state government has ordered for the immediate closure of all its local and external borders due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Crises

It said that it is an attempt to ramp up efforts to block entries of vehicles from outside and prevent the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state.

Deputy Governor and Chairman state Technical Committee on COVID-19, Mr Kayode Alabi told reporters in Ilorin, adding that the border closure excludes all categories of movement sanctioned in the broadcast of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr. Alabi added that the partial shutdowns within the state remain in force until further notice.

He said that “the government hereby announces the shutting down of all our land borders to ban movement to the state from elsewhere. The only exemptions to this rule are those stated in the address of Mr President. Specifically, these are vehicles carrying agricultural produce, medical equipments, and officials on essential duties related to COVID-19 campaign.“All previous restrictions and exemptions locally remain in force. A specific warning here goes to commercial motorcycles (Okada) who have been violating the shutdown orders. Any violators caught would face the full consequences of the law.”

Alabi also said the government will begin fumigation of markets and other specific locations after which specific markets would be designated for people to purchase essentials like food and medicines.

He commended corporate bodies and individuals for their donations to the government, specifically commending Senator Sadiq Umar, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Unifoam, and Rajrab pharmaceuticals for their contributions to the state’s counter-COVID-19 efforts.

Alabi said the government’s palliative measures are ready for deployment and would be handled by a committee chaired by the Emir of Shonga Dr Haliru Yahaya who is due to brief the media on Wednesday to give the modalities.

Said he: “The government has approved the fumigation of our markets and other specific places. 200 fumigating machines have been purchased for this purpose. This should begin latest April 2, 2020 to decontaminate these places. Thereafter, specific markets in the state would be designated and announced for people to purchase food stuffs and other essentials ONLY. Public transportation (Soludero buses) will be made available with strict adherence to social distancing and other preventive protocols.

“His Royal Highness the Emir of Shonga Dr Haliru Yahaya will brief the press tomorrow April 1, 2020 on the modalities of distributing the government’s palliative measures which shall be done in phases to ensure efficiency.