By Daniel Dauda, Jos



About 837 defaulters get their Waterloo when they caught violating total lockdown order imposed by the Plateau State Government to ensure decontamination exercise of COVID-19 global pandemic.

Plateau state Governor and chairman Northern Governors forum, Simon Lalong said "Over 837 violators were tried and those convicted were made to pay fines while others were subjected to community service. "

You would recall Governor Lalong on the 6th of April 2020 directed a total lockdown of the State effective 12 midnight of Thursday 9th April 2020 to 11pm of Wednesday 15th April 2020.

The Governor who was speaking on Wednesday during a state broadcast said "my dear  citizens, during this one-week of total lockdown, we were able to successfully decontaminate the entire State beginning with the flag off in Jos-Bukuru Metropolis on the 10th of April.

 "The period also enabled us to quarantine the entire State and effectively monitor suspected cases, as well as curtail movement within and into our State thereby reducing high possibility of importing the disease from outside the State.

 "Despite all the challenges, I can confidently say that we largely succeeded. As at today, we have investigated 99 cases and currently isolated 23 persons who are being observed because they came in from other States with confirmed cases of the disease. Of the 23 persons isolated, none has so far shown any symptoms.

"We are grateful to God that as at this moment, there is no confirmed case in the State. This is the more reason why we must not rest on our oars nor take anything for granted in blocking any loophole that can make us vulnerable.

 "I am happy to announce that the Testing Centre for Plateau State earlier envisaged has finally come to fruition, as the Bio-Safety Level 3 Grade 1 Laboratory at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, has been equipped and certified by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to begin outright test for COVID-19.

"I was at the NVRI earlier today to inspect the laboratory and I must say that I am impressed with the standard of facilities and staff available. This centre, which has capacity to test over one thousand samples per day, will assist us test more people and serve other neigbouring States.

"In addition to the purchase of ventilators, our homegrown innovator Engr. Jerry Mallo, who was earlier mandated to fabricate ventilators, has come up with a product, which is being tested by health experts for possible deployment as the need arises." Governor Lalong revealed.

He also stated that the total lockdown has been extended to 12 midnight of Thursday 23rd April 2020 to meet the medically stipulated quarantine period of 14 days.

 "However, beginning from 11pm tonight, Wednesday 15th April 2020, to 12 midnight of Sunday 19th April 2020, the total lockdown will be relaxed to enable people go out to restock their homes.

"By implication, the earlier restriction prior to the total lockdown remain. For the avoidance of doubt, all other markets remain closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas. "

On palliative measures to cush the effects of hunger amongst the vulnerable persons as a result of a total lockdown order in the state, Governor Lalong opines that the committee is set on ground.

 "Government having constituted a committee headed by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, has directed the immediate commencement of the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable and weak amongst us.

" Let me clarify that these palliatives, which will in due course also be complemented by the Federal Government, are strictly for the needy. Already, about sixty one thousand, six hundred and sixteen (61,616) beneficiaries of the National Social Investment Programme under the N-Power, Poorest of the Poor and School Feeding Programme have been receiving their stipends based on President Buhari’s directive.

"These are not people that should be looking forward to any other palliatives because they are already being taken care of. Similarly, workers who are receiving salaries as and when due should not expect to partake from the palliatives. Let us consider the truly vulnerable ones at this period." He concluded.