The Niger State Government has on Tuesday disclosed that it now has eight isolation centres for the mandatory 14 days profiling and testing for COVID-19 on Almajiris before being repatriated to their States of origin.
This was made known by Governor Abubakar sani Bello when he addressed the COVID-19 state task force committee at the Government House, Minna, adding that there is ban for all night travels of vehicles and movement between 6pm and 7am.
Speaking on the need to ascertain the status of Almajiris, the Governor said: “Eight isolation centres have been identified in the eight Emirate Councils for the mandatory 14 days where Almajiris will be profiled and tested for COVID-19 before they will be repatriated to their States of origin under the strict supervision of the State Government.
“The State will increase testing capacity so that more people can get tested, for us as a State to actually know our true position as regards the status on COVID-19.”
Bello noted that having reviewed the existing lockdown order, there was the need to strengthen it in order to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.
He however appealed to Local Government Area Chairmen to guard their borders and ensure strict compliance with the COVID-19 order if the State must achieve the desired result.
While speaking on night travel ban, Bello said: “It has become necessary as it was the period used by motorists to convey people and goods from States to the others, thereby flouting the lockdown order; the three index cases recorded in the State were all travellers.
“Security at all borders of the State will be reinforced through the deployment of conventional security outfits and volunteers like Red cross, Boys Brigade, En’Agaji and Man O war.”
Bello directed Secretary to the State Government to discuss with various unions to ensure that they support the government on the interstate ban.
Meanwhile, the government says Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays remain the window days strictly for restocking, insisting on the intra and interstate border ban.
Bello said violation of the use of face mask, and none adherence to social distancing by citizens outside their homes would be prosecuted, urging citizens to observe personal hygiene.
The SSG, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Matene, shortly after the meeting, also briefed members of the press, emphasising the position of the state government.
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