The Osun State government has replied Zamfara state government over the arrest of some Northern indigenes who sneaked into the state amidst Coronavirus lockdown.
POLITICS NIGERIA reported how the Zamfara government in a statement on Thursday condemned the arrest and planned deportation of the youths who hid in food trucks.
In reaction to the statement, Osun state Commissioner of Information, Funke Egbemode, said Zamfara government misrepresented its position against the northern youths.
The statement read: “The State of Osun has been on total lockdown, and logically, its mines are closed. Unfortunately, we have discovered that certain unscrupulous persons have been sneaking into the State illegally, breaching the State’s borders in the process. The Government of the State of Osun will act only therefore within legal and moral boundaries.
“All we are doing is following the Presidential directive that banned all interstate travels and movement. The State of Osun has shown the highest regard to the respective State Governments of the concerned people by attempting to return them to their places rather than prosecuting them under the State’s Emergency Regulation.
“Every state in the country is upscaling its security measures in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, and other vices. Zamfara State Government, a few days back, arrested some suspected illegal miners in the State.
“If “alleged” illegal miners are abhorred in Zamfara, why then should the State of Osun be crucified for being safety conscious? The State Government of Osun recognises the right of every Nigerian to live anywhere within the country. We are a responsible and responsive government that places a premium on the health and safety of its people, and we will continue to do everything within our power to protect our people.
“The State Government of Osun believes in the unity of this nation but will not hesitate to take actions against those who breach its borders and try to jeopardize the health of its people.”
