By Beauty John, LAFIA
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has extended the 24-hour lockdown imposed in Karu local government area of the state for a period of 10 days.
Mr. Sule made the directive while briefing newsmen at the Nasarawa State government house in Lafia on Thursday.
The governor ordered the immediate distribution of 1,200 bags of rice to each of the 13 local government areas in the state to cushion the effect of the lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That is why I have ordered the immediate distribution of rice to all the 13 local government areas, more palliatives like spaghetti, sugar, macaroni, indomie and so on are on their way,” he said.
It could be recalled that on 1st April 2020, a 14-day total lockdown was imposed in Karu local government area, due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Movement restriction was also imposed in the major cities of the state, from 8 pm to 6 am.
He said that “the cessation of human and vehicular movement and total lockdown of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State shall continue, except on Wednesdays and Saturdays between the hours of 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to enable the residents to purchase essential commodities in shops within their neighborhoods and not beyond.
“The ease of restriction in Karu during the stated hours does not affect markets; all markets are to remain closed,” the governor said.
He said curfew imposed in all Urban Areas of the State between the hours of 8:00 pm and 6:00 am daily shall continue.
The governor insists that all worship centers such as mosques and churches are to remain closed.
“All social gatherings including wedding and naming ceremonies in the State shall remain suspended“.
He maintained that “all entry into Nasarawa is restricted from 6 am to 6:00 pm and all persons coming into or passing through the State shall be screened at various check-points/mobile clinics”.
Also speaking at the briefing was the deputy governor of Nasarawa state, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe who is the chairman, Nasarawa state COVID-19 task force.
He revealed that the state has raised up to N76 million contributions from individuals and private firms.
“We have received donations of hospital equipments for the isolation center, although the types of equipment are yet to arrive in Nasarawa,” Gov Sule said.
