Katsina shuts borders over coronavirus

The Katsina state government has ordered the closure of its borders as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus to the state.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the country has recorded 65 cases of the disease with one death.

In a statement on Friday, Abdulkarim Yahaya, state commissioner for information, said the borders will be shut to neighbouring states and Niger Republic.

He said movement outside the state will also be restricted from 6:00am on Saturday.

The commissioner said residents can move within the state’s geographical boundary but not outside the area.

He said fuel tankers and vehicles conveying food supplies will be allowed into the state after proper screening.

“His Excellency Governor Aminu Bello Masari has directed the closure of all border with neighbouring states and Niger Republic,” he said.

“However, fuel takers and Vehicles conveying food items and other essential commodities will be allowed into the state subject to their screening and test at the point of entry.”

Of the 65 coronavirus cases in the country, Lagos has the highest number, 44; Abuja has 11, and Ogun, three.

Ekiti, Oyo, Edo, Osun and Rivers all have one case each, while Bauchi has two.