Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has arrested 14 persons found hidden in a truck used to move cattle from Adamawa State into Port Harcourt.
The two trucks in which they were being conveyed were intercepted at Rumuigbo, Obio Akpor Local Government Areas early Friday.
The state’s borders have been closed as part of the government’s efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.
One of those arrested, Ahmed Aliyu, who said they were engaged from Adamawa to bring in the cattle to the new slaughter in Oyigbo, further claimed they paid N1,500 to security agents to breach the state’s closed borders.
“This fight has nothing to do with individuals. The law must take its course. Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor are under lockdown and the law must be obeyed. The trailers and the cows will be auctioned tomorrow (Saturday),” Wike said.
“You heard them saying they gave money to security agencies before they were allowed to cross the border. The owner of the cattle on the phone admitted they have fallen short of the law.”
The governor further directed the State Ministry of Health to conduct COVID-19 tests on the 14 persons.