Governor Simon Lalong .
By M. Peter – Jos
As Plateau State goes into a total lockdown from midnight Thursday 9th April to Wednesday 15th April 2020, the Government has set up 10 mobile courts to try violators of the order.
The establishment of the mobile courts, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dan Manjang said is meant to “ensure enforcement and compliance to the directive of Government which is aimed at protecting the citizens from the Corona Virus pandemic and also ensuring that the entire State is fumigated.”
He pleaded that members of the public comply with the “no movement” order while those exempted because of their essential services are to carry their identify cards at all times.
Manjang in a statement he issued in Jos said the state government has given out situation room emergency response numbers for members of the public to call should the need arise.
The numbers which will be available 24 hours are : 07057326212 and 08186015907.
Meanwhile, a lawmaker from Plateau state has faulted the government’s decision to lock down the state.
JOB VACANCY AT MICROFINANCE INSTITUTION. CLICK HERE.
Governor Simon Lalong has in the meantime appealed to citizens to bear with this unusual situation and make sacrifices because the problem is not peculiar to Plateau State, but is a global challenge as the world battles this pandemic.
“The Governor wants them to remain professional and observe all rules of engagement warning that any security personnel who overreaches his mandate by engaging in corrupt conduct or brutality will be held accountable.”
Meanwhile, ahead of the total lockdown which begins 12am Thursday to 11pm on Wednesday, the 15th, residents of Jos/Bukuru metropolis in Plateau State are frantically engaging in last minutes shopping to enable them stock their homes with foodstuff.
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This is even as traders are increasing the cost of items to enable them make more gains despite the sorry situation.
Our correspondent observed residents trooping to the Farin Gada, Terminus, tomato markets in Jos North as well as the Building material, Bukuru and other neighborhood markets in Jos South local government area.
However, prices of foodstuff have increased greatly as a small paint bucket of tomato which went for between N300 and N350 is now N600.
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A resident, Esther Umaru said, with or without lockdown, people who can afford would still go the markets because despite the COVID-19 disease, many homes will still celebrate Easter which falls this week.
She noted, “I also went to the Farin Gada market on Wednesday and Thursday. The uncontrolled crowd was scary, even the social distance we are talking about, no one cared for such. The market was so full and prices of items also skyrocketed. I am really sad because of the exploitation at this time when we ought to be sober.
“Although many people rushed to the market because of lockdown but I still think with or without it, those who can afford would still go because of the Easter celebration.”
