TheCable

Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, has locked down Kabba/Bunu local government area of the state, following the index cases of COVID-19 in the state.

TheCable had reported how Ahmad Ejibunu, chief imam of Kabba, and one of his aides tested positive for the disease.

Ejibunu, who was transferred to Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, from Kabba Specialist Hospital was eventually referred to the National Hospital, Abuja, where he was diagnosed with the disease.

The Kogi state government had rejected the results, accusing the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) of perpetrating fraud.

But in a statewide broadcast on Monday, Bello restricted movement in Kabba/Bunu for 14 days.

He also asked doctors who attended to the index cases to self-isolate, saying the state needed to be proactive to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“During the lockdown , there shall be no house to house movement within the local government area.Street movement is completely prohibited within the local government area for the period,” the governor said.

“I do not enjoy lockdown as I know the economic, social, and even health implications of such a decision. But we have to take a proactive step and provide effective leadership in ensuring that our people are safe.”

The governor also asked the incident management team in the state to trace contacts of the index cases.

He also assured residents that palliative would be provided during the lockdown.

“Contact tracing should be carried out house to house to identify those who might have made contact with the alleged Kogi COVID-19 index persons; the Chief Imam of Kabba and his Son within the local government area,” he said

“The Kogi State incident management team should continue to thoroughly carry out the contact tracing. The contact tracing and enforcement of the lockdown order shall be fully covered by the mainstream media.

“Health workers who might have made contact with the alleged index case should proceed on self-isolation. All security agencies in the state are to enforce total compliance with the lockdown the order.

“All citizens and residents of the state should continue to adhere to the NCDC guidelines as the state still remain COVID-19 free.”

Nigeria crossed the 10,000 marks for positive cases on Sunday.

TheCable had earlier reported how the state was turning blind eye to patients with COVID-19 symptoms.