Delta: Banks, markets, malls, stations, others shut

TRACKING___Social and economic activities were paralised in Delta State yesterday as banks, markets, malls, supermarkets, petrol stations, amusement parks and government offices shut down in compliance with the stayat- home order to check the spread of coronavirus. Only health and security institutions, fire service, water companies and media houses opened.

Vehicular movement in and out of the state was completely restricted as men of the Delta State Traffic Management Agency (DESTMA) in collaboration with the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Army barricaded every road to enforce the directive. But some teenagers defiled the order of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on street-football as they were sighted at Umuagwu, Umunaji and Umudaike playing ‘monkeypost’ football.

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo, said the extended Joint Allocations and Accounts Committee (JAAC) meeting, which had the Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, his counterpart in Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, in attendance, empowered security operatives to enforce compliance.

The RRT Lead of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in the state, Dr. Bio Belu Abaye, and the Incident Manager, a Public Health Consultant, Dr. Ann Ojimba, said it was a safe measure against the disease. Aniagwu acknowledged that the prevailing situation was not best of times for residents but expressed confidence that if movement is restricted, the virus would not move.

“The virus is not airborne and once we are able to get our people to observe these different behaviours, particularly social distancing and closure of markets, we are sure that we will overcome,” he said.

The commissioner stressed the need for council chairmen to go back to their areas and continue the sensitisation on why the directive should be strictly obeyed.

He said as at yesterday, Delta State coronavirus-free. Aniagwu also denied the report of a suspected coronavirus case in Warri. The Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Muhammed Inuwa, in Asaba yesterday, said there was no going back on the temporary closure of public places, such as event centres, bars, night clubs and lounges, cinemas, markets, supermarkets, malls, shops, restaurants and canteens across state.

He said: “Consequently, I have directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Heads of Tactical/Operational Departments of the command to ensure strict enforcement of the orders.” Inuwa also charged all officers to be professional in the discharge of their duties as any contrary act or conduct would attract severe disciplinary measures.