By Daniel Dauda, Jos


Plateau State Governor and chairman Northern Governors forum, Simon Bako Lalong has expressed government readiness in bringing succor to the less privilege amidst coronavirus global pandemic lockdown in the state.

"Government will soon roll out  palliative measures to assist the weak and vulnerable amongst us"

Governor Lalong made the revelation during official flag-off of fumigation exercise of the entire state, held in Jos on Friday.

According to him "Our mission here is to begin the fumigation of the entire State against the Corona Virus Disease.

"Since the outbreak of the disease, our Government has taken several steps aimed at ensuring that the disease does not come into the State.

We have also been preparing in the unfortunate event if any case is recorded in Plateau State so that we can respond appropriately.

Although no case has been recorded yet in Plateau State as at today, we cannot relax. We have to remain vigilant and proactive.

 That is why we announced a total lockdown of the State, which began some hours ago." He mentioned.

  The Governor admit that during this period, the entire State will be fumigated. [All Public places such as markets, Streets, Office Premises among others will be fumigated].

" In addition to the fumigation, the lockdown will also help us reduce any tendency for inter-State transfer of the disease and enable us respond appropriately to any suspected case and contact tracing.

He also disclosed that plateau state shall be getting a COVID-19 pandemic Testing Centre  in the coming days, which will also boost our capacity to identify any case faster.

Governor Lalong lament these are difficult and unusual times for not only Plateau State, but also the world at large.

"Ordinarily, we should not be doing an event like this on a Good Friday, but the times warrant this and we continue to appeal for the patience and understanding of our citizens.

" For our Christian brothers and sisters, let us use this Solemn Easter Friday to cry unto God within our homes to show us mercy and remove this pandemic.

"Like Archbishop Jose Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said, “Our Churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined and his Gospel is not in chains. Even though we cannot worship together, each of us can seek God in the tabernacles of our hearts”.

  "Similarly, our Muslim brethren should also use this day to offer solemn Zuhur Prayers in their homes for God to intervene and save us from this calamity.

I wish to thank our Religious, Traditional, Political and Community Leaders and their followers for their cooperation and understanding during these difficult times.

Let me again appeal to all citizens to abide by the lockdown directive in order to make the work of law enforcement officers easier. We do not want to hear of ugly cases of harsh enforcement.

"With God on our side, this situation will not last long and very soon, we shall bounce back and resume normal life. All we need is patience and prayers." He concluded.

Our correspondent learned that the week long fumigation exercise is champion by Agricultural Service Training Center (ASTC).