Gov Bello Admits COVID-19 In Kogi, Lockdown Kabba, Bunu

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has taken a move to back the report of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, on two index cases of Coronavirus confirmed in the state.

Naija News recalls that the NCDC on Wednesday, May 28 confirmed 2 cases of the novel virus in Kogi State, a report that was denied by the state government with claims that the state is free of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Reports emerged after the NCDC update that the state’s index case was a Chief imam of Kabba, Ahmad Ejibunu and one on his aides.

However, Governor Bello despite rejecting the update has declared a total lockdown in Kabba/Bunu Local Government of the state, Naija News reports.

Bello noted while briefing the press today that the lockdown exercise will span through June 2nd to 15th, 2020.

According to him, the action will allow for testing and contact tracing of the individuals that may have had contact with the two reported cases.

He, however, urged residents in the state to adhere strictly to all COVID-19 rules and guidelines already rolled out by the health agencies, describing the development in the state as painful.

The statement reads; “During the lockdown, there shall be no house-to-house movement within the Local Government Area. street movement is completely prohibited within the local government area for the period.

“Palliative would be distributed from house to house within the Local Government Area. Contact tracing should be carried out house-to-house to identify those who might have made contact with the alleged Kogi COVID-19 index persons; the Chief Imam of Kabba and his son within the local government.

“The Kogi State incident management team should continue to thoroughly carry out the contact tracing. The contact tracing and enforcement of the lockdown order shall be fully covered by the mainstream media.

“Health workers who might have made contact with the alleged index case should proceed on self-isolation. All security agencies in the state are to enforce total compliance with the lockdown order. All citizens and residents of the state should continue to adhere to the NCDC guideline as the state still remains COVID-19 free”.

Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel has approved the first Sunday in June as the resumption date for churches activities in the state.