Kwara residents differ on lockdown order as State announces new directives
Coronavirus Pandemic
Residents of Ilorin have expressed divergent views over the latest review of lockdown order by the State Government to allow them move freely.
The Kwara Governnment says it has reviewed its earlier decision to allow vehicles to move on days earlier designated for restocking of foods and other essentials.
Mr Kayode Alabi, the state Deputy Governor and Chairman, Technical Committee on COVID-19, announced this at a news conference on Tuesday in Ilorin.
“The review means that commercial and private vehicles are now barred from operating, except trucks and trailers conveying food stuffs, medicines and other essential services earlier exempted by the government in its effort to contain COVID-19,” Alabi said.
He said that residents are now directed to instead patronise neighbourhood shops and observe all safety protocols.
He said that marketers may now set up shops in schools and open spaces in their neighbourhood between 8 a.m and 12 p.m on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The deputy governor, however, said that all congregational prayers remain banned.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had on April 9 announced a total lockdown of vehicular, movement of people and all businesses from April 10 by 6 p.m till further notice.
Reacting to the development, Mr Aliyu Usman, said it would help residents to meet their daily chores and needs.
But Hajiya Fatima Mohammed, a housewife, said that the review has its disadvantage in terms of movement and available services.
She noted that the earlier restriction allowed banks, pharmacies and foodstuff traders to open for business only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 10 a.m and 2 p.m.
Another resident, Alhaji Abdulfatah Beki, also said that vehicular movement had increased soon after the announcement.
According to Beki, this has resulted to a gridlock in places such Tipper Garage in Tanke, Gaa-Akanbi roundabout and Muritala Muhammed Way among others. (NAN)
– Apr. 15, 2020 @ 10:55 GMT |
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