Total lockdown in place
By Sunny A. David
Anambra State Police Command says in compliance with the directives of the Anambra State Government on containing the spread of COVID-19, it has commenced total enforcement of lockdown order with immediate effect.
A release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Haruna Mohammed (SP), urged the public to stay at home as there will be no movement, following the index case of coronavirus recorded in the state.
According to the statement the extreme restriction became necessary in order to identify and isolate primary and secondary contacts as well as ensure no further spread as the contact tracing is ongoing.
It reminded the public to note that the Police and all security Agencies in the State are geared towards enforcing the order to the letter.
It urged the public to utilize the following phone numbers in case of any emergency and report observed breaches of the lockdown order or other security needs accordingly.
It gives the numbers which include Control room -07039194332, William Odumu 08036877447, Agbazue Patrick 08112201345, Officer in charge Federal Highway Ahmed Gaiya 08039722267 the Police Public Relations Officer Mr Haruna Mohammed 08060970639 among others.
Meanwhile, Luck ran out on some vehicle operators and other commuters who wanted to beat the directives on comprehensive lock down in Anambra State, as security agencies have barricaded major axis in Awka metropolis.
At different junctions in Awka such as Arroma and Akwata Junctions, security agencies have begun major enforcement by blocking the roads and thereby restricting movements in line with Governor Willie Obiano’s comprehensive lockdown order, as a measure aimed at containing the Corona-virus pandemic.
As at five o’clock in the evening of on Monday, a long fleet of articulated vehicles lined up the Aroma Junction end of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, stretching up to Agu-Awka end.
It was a grid lock, as the security personnel were not giving in to any form of excuse from the truck drivers.
Even Awka residents who appear to be enjoying a kind of free movement in the last two weeks, were taken by surprise with the new enforcement order, as they could not have their way around Awka.
However, many residents and business owners are yet to comply in most other parts of the state.
At Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area, Masquerades were seen parading the highways, while at Nkwo-Enugwu-Ukwu through old road to Oye Agu, Abagana, Eke- Nibo, Umuawulu and Eke-Awka, street traders were engaged in full businesses, while Mechanic workshops, bars and restaurants were open for the Easter celebration sales and shopping.
Our correspondent also observed that most commercial bus drivers were making brisk businesses as they hand over their passengers at each security check point while inter-state transport commuters use alternative routes to beat the security check points as was witnessed at Amansea -NdiorahNdikpa-Isiagu-Ugwuoba Reserve – Isiagu.
Some private cars were refused passage by the security agencies at some checkpoints as they forced the drivers to turn back.
When our correspondent tried to approach some residents at various areas visited, they all declined comment an indication that clearly points that they all are aware of the directive from the state government but rather chose to disobey.
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