From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.
Niger State Government has announced the relaxation of the curfew which was imposed on the State from 2pm to 10pm beginning from yesterday Sunday, 5th April, 2020 after 10 days restrictions from 10am to 10pm earlier imposed.
The Secretary to the State Government SSG, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane made the disclosure while briefing news on measures put in place for the containment of the spread of Covid 19 saying the measure is to enable people to stock food and other essentials commodities.
“You will all recall that His Excellency, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of Niger State has directed that precautionary measures on the containment of the spread of coronavirus in State should be taken as quickly as possible, the Niger State Task Force on COVID-19 swung into action by adopting several measures that will help to curb the spread of corona virus in the State”.
Matane decried that “Government has observed that many people, in spite of the measures, do not respect the social distancing appeals and directives as they go around congregating and gathering for social, religious and other purposes without regard to the high infectious rate of the COVID-19, adding that the state has identify 12 entry entry points and will be intensify the check point to prevent the disease from coming in to the state.
According to him, “Civil Servant on Grade Level 1-12 earlier directed to stay at home as part of measures taken by Government to curb the spread of COVID-19 are now to resume work on Monday 6th April, 2020 from 8am to 2pm”.
SSG emphasized that the Intra and inter-state movement of people and vehicles across the State remain banned.
Local Government Areas that share common border with neighboring States to ensure effective reinforcement of restriction of people and vehicles coming into those Local Government Areas.
He reiterated that the 12 entering points to the State according to him, remain closed except those on essential services.
“Markets to open from 8am to 2pm to enable people buy food stuffs and other essentials.
Marketers to adhere strictly to the precautionary measures of the Ministry of Health”. He said
He lamented over insinuation going round the State that Government has banned call to prayer saying is totally not true but handwork of mischief makers to smear the good intentions of the present administration.
The Chairman charged on the people of the State to shun rumour mongering especially spreading of wrong information about the activities of the task force
He stressed that Niger State is yet to record any single case of COVID-19 hoping to work tirelessly to ensure the protection of the citizens from the pandemic.
Matene disclosed that the henceforth anyone caught violating the directives and order is liable to a fine or imprisonment or both sequel with the powers conferred on the state governor.
He explained that the money the task force is spending is what state government provided and not from the donation account in respect of the COVID 19.
