Border closure: ‘Erring drivers ‘ll  forfeit  vehicles to govt’

From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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Ekiti state government has disclosed that any erring vehicle owner that violates the border closure directive will henceforth have such vehicle forfeited to the state government.

 The move according to the government was targeted towards maintaining more seriousness to the containment of COVID-19 in the state.

The directive was contained in a COVID-19 implementation guidelines released by the government and signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji , on Monday, as Fayemi eased the lockdown imposed on Ekiti.

 Reading the guidelines at a COVID 19 update press parley held in Ado-Ekiti, the Information Commissioner, Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua, said interstate travels are still being  prohibited while vehicles seized will be forfeited to the state government.

 Fayemi clarified that the lockdown was not totally removed, saying the residents can enjoy freedom of movement on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 7am and 4pm, while the curfew earlier placed between 7pm and 6am still subsists.

 “All the major markets like Oja Oba, Shasha, Bisi in Ado-Ekiti remain closed” similarly, vehicles conveying agricultural products and those engaged in farming will be allowed to move freely with valid identification.

 “Schools still remain closed down indefinitely. Compulsory use of face masks still operational while those arrested at the borders will be quanratined for 14 days at their own expense”.

Speaking at the press parley, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Mojisola Yaya- Kolade, revealed that the three new cases of Coronavirus recorded in Ekiti were healthcare workers, who contracted  the scourge from the pregnant woman , who died two weeks ago.

 “The three new persons have been evacuated from their homes and put in our isolation centre. They are currently assymptomatic and we are very lucky, because they had only four contacts. We have seen them and their blood samples have been taken.

 “Seven laboratory results are being awaited and we are expecting them. COVID 19 is under containment in Ekiti. There is no community spread. All those that have been infected were treaceable to someone”.

 The Director General, Office of Strategic Transformation and Delivery, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, said restriction is still being placed on religious gatherings in the state, saying only the burials are exempted , which he said can only be attended by 20 persons.

 Aluko charged the traditional rulers in border towns to institute community policing to work with security agencies to checkmate influx of people from neighbouring or far states into Ekiti.