The Chairman of Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, Frank Archibong, has ordered the closure of all shops and markets in the area to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Archibong gave the directive during a meeting with stakeholders in Eket on Wednesday. The LG boss said the measure had become necessary to curb the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the state government had earlier directed residents in the state to comply with the stay-at-home order to curb the spread of the virus.
Although the state has not recorded any Covid-19 case, Nigeria has a total of 151 cases, two deaths and 9 that had recovered.
“At trying times like this, all hands must be on deck in ensuring that we come out of this global emergency unscathed.
“Locking of shops and markets will take effect from April 1 being Wednesday to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state, ” Archibong said.
According to him, all petroleum products dealers, foodstuffs dealers and dealers of essential commodities including pharmaceutical products are all exempted.
He, however, advised indigenes and residents of Eket and its environs to adhere strictly to medical regulations to stay safe.
The chairman urged security operatives not to compromise the lockdown directives issued by the state government.
“It is better to adhere to simple instructions of staying at home as directed by both the Federal and State Government and stay alive than disobeying safety and precautionary measures to risk life,” he said.
