The governments of Ekiti and Osun states have announced total lockdown and closure of borders with neighbouring states effective from Sunday and Monday respectively to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on Sunday announced a 14-day total shut down of the state and imposition of a 12-hour dusk-to-dawn curfew effective from midnight on Monday.
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday morning, the governor said the restriction would be from 11:59pm on Monday, March 30, 2020 until 11:59pm on Monday, April 13, 2020, with restriction of movement across the state and closure of all our borders, alongside a 12-hour dusk-to-dawn curfew from 7:00pm to 7:00 am.
According to the broadcast, ”During this period, movement between local governments is prohibited; movement between towns, villages and communities is also prohibited; every person shall be confined to the place where he or she ordinarily resides in Ekiti State.
”Those who are performing essential services will be allowed to move around, particularly health workers, but must be duly designated with an identity card by the Head of their Institutions.”
Fayemi also announced the prohibition of all commuter transport services including bus services, taxi services, motor bikes (Okada) and tricycle services which do not offer essential services.
The penalties for defaulting, according to the governor, would be a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both.
Similarly, Osun State government has announced the total lockdown of the state following the confirmation of the second case of the deadly Coronavirus, effective from midnight, Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola made the announcement during a statewide broadcast on Sunday morning.
He said, “Following a review of our current situation, we have in addition to the subsisting measures taken in the past one week, decided to shut down all our boundaries, effective from midnight Sunday, March 29, 2020. In addition, a complete lockdown of the State will come into effect from midnight, Tuesday, March 31, 2020
“We believe this is the way to go, if we must contain the spread of this virus. To this end, we urge citizens and residents to take advantage of the hours between now and Tuesday to stock up provisions that will last them two weeks in the first instance.
“During the lockdown, there will be no movement within the state. The closed boundaries also means there will be no inter-state movements. However, those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty. Also, pharmaceutical and medical outfits will be allowed to open.
“We have mandated and mobilised the State’s taskforce and security operatives to enforce measures to the letter. We, therefore, strongly advise our people to remain in their homes during the period of the lockdown.”