Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, has directed the immediate and total lockdown of Dutsin-ma Local Government Area of the state beginning from 7 am Friday, April 17.
Masari, who gave the directive as contained in a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government, Mustapha Inuwa, was as a result of the confirmed Coronavirus case in the area by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.
According to the statement, the decision to lockdown Dutsin-ma, which is about 60 kilometers to Katsina metropolis, was taken during a review meeting with the two committees on COVID-19, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders.
It further noted that all the 15 major markets across the state such as Mai’adua, Mashi, Charanchi, Dutsin-Ma, Batsari, Sheme, and Jibia will be shutdown from Friday. Others affected are Kafur, Dandume, Zango, Danja, Bakori, Kaita, Kagadama, and Dankama.
Inuwa also hinted that both Friday prayers and Sunday services are suspended from next week across the state.
Also suspended are the annual Ramadan Tafsir and evening prayers during Ramadan known as Tarawiyy along with all viewing centres, cinemas as well as event centres.
The statement further noted that the Governor had directed all security agencies to ensure total compliance and the restrictions of movement for persons coming through all the inter-state land borders.
The state government, while urging the people to be law abiding, said the decisions were taken for the interest of the state, country, and humanity in general noting that all directives are to be observed till further notice from the commencement dates.
The decision to lockdown Dutsin-ma was in fulfillment of the promise that any local government area found to record a case of confirmed COVID-19 shall be locked down.
