•Kwarans share indoor experiences
•Street football in Ilorin metropolis
•Security operatives use roadblocks to enforce lockdown
•Deputy Governor hails compliance
Thursday marked the first day of the lockdown directive given by the Kwara State Government to stem the community spread of the novel coronavirus.
The directive has been enforced in all cities of the state. Offa, the epicentre of the virus has commenced its lockdown last week, before the state government followed suit by ordering cessation of movements across the entire state.
Nowhere else exemplified the effect of the lockdown directive than the popular and always busy Oja-Oba Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. It was a strict compliance with the stay at home order. The market, usually hive of activities – traffic jam, roadside traders and unorganized stalls – throughout the day was not what it used to be, as there were no activities, except for a few residents, who sat looking confused at the entrance of their homes and security operatives enforcing order.
Some of the places visited by correspondents included; Geri-Alimi, Yebumot, Taiwo, Post Office, Oja-Oba, Oja-Tuntun, Unity, Emir’s road, Sango, Asa-dam, Oko-Olowo, Offa-Garrage, Akerebiata and communities like Offa, Erinle, Ajase-Ipo, Patigi among several others. In all there was almost total compliance.
Vehicles attempting to move were stop by the combined team of men of the combined team Nigerian Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps- FRSC, Kwara State Fire Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps – NSCDC, Immigration Service, Custom Service, Man-O-War among several other security outfits. Only motorist on essential services like health workers, farmers, journalists, were allowed to pass through the roadblocks.
At Oja-Gboro, Youths barricaded the roads to play football, while the elders sat and watch the youngsters display their talents. The General Hospital in Ilorin is opened but under heavy security and scrutiny. Likewise armed security are stationed on the roads leading to Taiwo, Surulere and Geri-Alimi.
Some residents of Olowe in Erinle were sighted sitting and watching, as though counting, every passer-by, while the popular Sanni-Aba street in Offa is beehived of activities, a shadow of its usual self.
Speaking with THE INFORMANT247, a resident of Sango who identified himself only as Yunus shared his indoor experience, “I’ve never witness this in my life. Even during election time, it not total lockdown and we can go out after electioneering process is over, usually by 6pm. But what we have now is an innitial lockdown of 14-day which would later be subjected to review. I see this as indefinite, when are we going back to our normal way of living. Honestly, home is bored already, but what can we do. I tried reading books, the kids play games and watch movies, we all sleep by afternoon, but the question is, when are we ending this? Though my wife was innitially happy that I now have enough time to stay at home, but now, we are all bored.”
Ndaji Mohammed, a resident of Patigi said, “We’re hungry, for how long can we endure this. Wallai, this is very pathetic. No business, no anything, just sit at home and sleep. I appeal to, not only the state government, but also philanthropists to help us – the less privileged. The state government is trying but they should intensify their efforts.”
Another resident of Oke-Odo in Erinle, Bisola Alabi urged the state governments to make basics needs available for the masses during the lockdown period. She said unless provisions were made for essential materials, the lockdown of the state may be counterproductive.
Till 7:00pm, security operatives are still sighted at areas like Mandate, Geri-Alimi and Yebmout mounting roadblocks and questioning motorist on their destination and why their going out is essential.
Meanwhile the Deputy Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the COVID-19 Technical Committe, Kayode Alabi went on an inspection tour to some strategic areas in Ilorin metropolis – Oja Oba, Idi Ape, Omoda, Oke Kura, Gegele, Taiwo road, Gerialimi, Asa dam, Offa Garage — according to a statement by his spokesperson, Modupe Joel.
Mr Alabi commended Kwarans for complying with the state government’s lockdown order.
”The shut down is effective as there is total compliance by the citizens. Security agents are also doing an excellent job of enforcing the lockdown,” Alabi said.
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