Kaduna threatens to revert to 24-hour lockdown as residents flout order

The Kaduna state government has threatened to revert to its initial 24-hour lockdown over the violation of the directive on restriction of movement over coronavirus.

The government had reviewed the total lockdown in the state by giving a two-day window of Tuesday and Wednesday every week to enable residents buy food and other essential commodities.

In a statement on Monday, Hadiza Balarabe, the deputy governor, said some people had taken advantage of the relaxed lockdown order to violate government’s directives.

She said only food and essential commodities would be sold on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when markets open, adding that “sellers of other merchandise are not included in the exemption.”

“At this time, we will not just stand by and let a few elements add to the hardship already being faced because of selfishness,” the deputy governor said.

“However, to ensure more transparency and accountability, the Palliatives Committee will work with credible Civil Society Organisations(CSOs), to monitor the distribution.

“The administration has put in place a robust system to check abuse and diversion of these essential commodities as a Government which is anchored on integrity.

“Notwithstanding, no system is completely foolproof and in any case, another layer of monitoring will only improve on what is on ground.

“Those that have been charged with the responsibility of identifying vulnerable groups and persons within communities to do so in a manner that depicts fairness, honesty and sincerity of purpose. We all should be looking out for one another at this time and always.”

The deputy governor warned traders to desist from hiking prices of commodities, describing the practice as callous, unacceptable and inhuman.

Kaduna has five confirmed cases of the disease.