Security agents in Anambra State have intercepted a truck filled with Northerners from Plateau State en route to Onitsha.
The truck was loaded with about 33 persons from Jos, Plateau State Capital.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government and the 36 states of the Federation had initiated a ban on interstate travel as a way of curtailing the spread of Coronavirus.
When questioned, some of the persons revealed that they are on their way to Onitsha to pursue economic opportunities.
After due interrogation by a combined team of security agents and medical experts, the truck with all its occupants was turned back and escorted by security operatives, to the boundary between Anambra and Enugu from where they will be returning to their state.
Speaking after the exercise, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Willie Obiano, Mr James Eze said although they are Nigerians with the right to seek economic opportunities anywhere in the country, the individuals were in clear violation of the Federal Government’s ban on interstate movement.
He said it is a surprise to Anambra state that when its government and the people are doing all they can to comply with the directives on COVID-19, it is not the same in other states.
“It is still a shock as to how these people were able to cross all the state boundaries and get to Anambra. Does it mean that the level of surveillance in those states is not up to the requirement? Could it be that the government of the state where these people come from have not done enough in terms of awareness creation on the delicate situation that the world is in right now? This is worrisome,” Eze fumed.
Eze maintained that while the state government is quite receptive of Nigerians who seek genuine business opportunities in the state, it will not do so to the detriment of its citizens.
“There is a larger question of why people are not complying with the directive on interstate movement. The world is contending with an extremely contagious virus that has killed many. No one is against people pursuing their legitimate businesses and Anambra welcomes everyone who wishes to do so but not at this time when everyone is trying to save their loved ones. Times are not normal and people need to understand it,” he emphasized.
