There was a visible presence of security officers across Jos
to enforce the precautionary measures taken by the Plateau State
Government to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the
state.
Reports are that most residents held family Sunday
services at their homes, with most churches which stayed open for
service having no more than 50 parishioners in attendance, who
maintained a 2-metre social distance from one another in compliance with
government directives.
The security agents enforcing the directives visited churches and checked public vehicles on major streets to ensure compliance.
At Ahmadu Bello Way, where a popular
Sunday markets that generates over N4 million internally generated
revenue holds every Sunday.
Traders were observed wandering around the market, with shopkeepers
guarding their shops against armed robbers who might want to take
advantage of the situation.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Dan Manjang said
the state government was generally impressed with the level of
compliance by ordinary citizens to the precautionary measures, except
for violations by public transporters.
“There is an improvement over yesterday, and in terms of churches
services, we are impressed with it, the churches have complied, we have
not received any case of a church that has not complied; apart of the
fact the they maintained the numbers, the services were short.
“But where there is non-compliance is the tricycles and commercial
bus drivers. As far as I am concerned, they have not complied and the
security agencies will ensure they comply,” the commissioner stated.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Ubah Gabriel said that
there was total compliance to the state government’s directives on
precautionary measures against the spread of the deadly COVID-19.
He said the police are determined to ensure full enforcement of the
directive and that those found in violation will be arrested and
prosecuted.
