The Osun State Government has ordered a total lockdown of the state after its second case of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was confirmed.

The Government reasserted its commitment to close all the land boundaries starting from midnight on Sunday, March 29th, 2020.

The Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed this in a statewide broadcast on Sunday morning.

The governor maintained that people will not be allowed to move around within the State during the lockdown, while those on essential duties like health officials, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty.

He called the drastic move as “imperative” considering how devastating coronavirus pandemic is, adding that

the first priority of any responsive and responsible government is to respond effectively to protect its citizens when an emergency occurs.

Oyetola, who was visibly saddened by the latest development, reiterated that the decision remained the only solution to the problem, if Osun State was to curtail the spread of the disease.

He said,

Following a review of our current situation, we have in addition to the subsisting measures taken in the past one week, decided to shut down all our boundaries, effective from midnight Sunday, March 29, 2020. In addition, a complete lockdown of the State will come into effect from midnight, Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

We believe this is the way to go, if we must contain the spread of this virus. To this end, we urge citizens and residents to take advantage of the hours between now and Tuesday to stock up provisions that will last them two weeks in the first instance.

During the lockdown, there will be no movement within the state. The closed boundaries also means there will be no inter-state movements. However, those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty. Also, pharmaceutical and medical outfits will be allowed to open.

We have mandated and mobilised the State’s taskforce and security operatives to enforce measures to the letter. We, therefore, strongly advise our people to remain in their homes during the period of the lockdown.

The governor advised the residents not to panic because of the government’s new directives, but continue to abide by its instructions and guidance.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.