Tens of thousands of Maiduguri residents; have complied fully to the
two-week lock down order to prevent and contain coronavirus (COVID-19)
in Borno state.
The state has 11 cases of COVID-19; with two deaths recorded since its
outbreak last Saturday at Pulka.
COVID-19 response team leader, Umar Kadafur said that the lock down
was part of efforts to check further spread of deadly virus.
Yesterday’s lock down took effect from 10.30pm Wednesday and extended
throughout Thursday with empty streets leading to markets, schools and
airport, along Maiduguri/Damaturu road.
While monitoring level of compliance, it indicated that streets and
highways used by residents before the lock down were empty with
security personnel at strategic point to enforce compliance.
Even the mosques in various communities, were also empty during the
early morning prayers led by Imams and clerics.
Residents, who spoke to The Guardian, also supported the lockdown to
prevent them from contracting the COVID-19 disease.
While lamenting high costs of food items, Isa Audu, said: “The
government should do something about high costs and shortages of food
items experience hours to this lock down.
“The trucks held at entry points be allowed into the Maiduguri metropolis.
“Our problem now; is over 100 per cent rise in foodstuff prices were
recorded in the last two days,” adding that they caused by continuous
delays of security personnel at entry points.”
Contiued; “May of us want to buy food items for use during Ramadan
period; but many items to buy are not available for sale in markets.
“While those available are sold at exorbitant prices”
As by Wednesday afternoon and evening, people are scrambling over
basic food items of onions, eggs, rice and others, as trucks were not
allowed to offload them.
“The trucks conveying the items were not allowed in,” said a truck
driver at Njimtilo entry point, lamenting that it is unfortunate at
this COVID-19 crisis.
Yakubu Malgwi, a trader said a sack of onion, which used to sell for
N5, 500, now attracts N12, 000, while a standard measure of local
rice, is sold at N750 instead of N350.
He alleged it was a deliberate attempt by some traders to cash in on
the lock down and Ramadan that may commence today (Friday).
He therefore, urged government to investigate the delay of trucks
conveying food items at entry points.
