As the initial two weeks lockdown imposed in Karu Local Government area, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has extended both the lockdown, as well as restriction of movement imposed on all urban centres across the state by additional ten days.
This is just as Engineer Sule assured that government will make available more palliatives to cushion the hardship to which residents of the state were exposed.
At a press briefing to update the people of the state on measures being taken by the state government to control and contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which held at the Government House, on Thursday, the Governor said it has become necessary to extend the lockdown following statistics released indicating an upsurge in the spread of COVID-19 in 20 states, as well as the FCT.
Engineer Sule described the spread of the pandemic in the country as frightening, stressing that the situation not only called for more prayers, but concerted effort aimed at strengthening all measures taken in order to prevent the spread of the virus in Nasarawa State.
“Accordingly, as the two weeks of lockdown on Karu LGA and the restriction of movement in our major urban centres comes to an end today, it has become imperative for government to consider the necessity for extending the duration of the lockdown by additional ten days.
“This is in our collective commitment to continue to control and contain the spread of the virus in our dear state,” the Governor stated.
Realizing the hardship residents have been exposed to as a result of the restriction on movement, the Governor explained that his administration immediately distributed rice across the 13 local government areas, to cushion the effect of the restriction order.
“We will also continue to work very hard, in ensuring that we are able to get more palliatives for the intervention.
“And I assure you, that in the next few days, you will continue to see more palliatives coming to the people of Nasarawa State,” he stated.
Engineer Sule however announced an adjustment for residents of Karu LGA , who are now allowed to buy essential commodities in shops within their neighbourhoods on Wednesdays and Saturdays, between the hours of 10am to 2pm.
The ease of restriction in Karu, according to the Governor does not however affect markets which are to remain closed.
Meanwhile, the curfew imposed in all urban areas of the state, between the hours of 8pm to 6am daily still remains. Similarly, all social gatherings including weddings and naming ceremonies in the state remain suspended. Civil servants from Grade Level 01-12 are to continue working from home, except those involved in rendering essential services.
While noting that security patrol will be intensified to ensure full compliance to proclamations made to curb the spread of COVID-19, Engineer Sule disclosed that mobile courts have been established, to prosecute defaulters in accordance with the law.
The Governor called on task force committees established at the local government levels, under the supervision of local government Chairmen, to continue to ensure strict compliance with the order restricting movement.
