Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has ordered a total lockdown on the state for another 14 days with effect from midnight of Friday, April 24.
The governor gave the order in a statement on Friday by his spokesman, Solomon Kumamgar.
Mr Fintiri said the lockdown would end midnight of Friday, May 8.
He said: “Painful as the decision is, it is the aftermath of the first COVID-19 index case recorded in the state.
“Adamawa government is left with no option than to go for a total lockdown in the overall interest of all. We have to save lives. We have to contain the spread of the pandemic.
“Government has successfully commenced contacts tracing and testing which will be followed by isolation and treatment of positive cases.”
Fintiri appealed for cooperation and understanding, insisting that in spite of the looming hardship, there was no alternative to the latest lockdown, as COVID-19, which has no cure, was spreading like wildfire across the country.
“Further to the lockdown, movements and gatherings in whatever form, are prohibited throughout the period, except for those on essential duties such as security, media, health and water services.
“Others include financial institutions like banks that are allowed to offer skeletal services.
“Others in this category include pharmaceuticals, and those selling food items. Government will not allow the irresponsibility of a few to lead to the death of many,” he said.
The governor called on residents to embrace the rudiments of basic hygiene like regular hand washing with soap and sanitizers where obtainable, social distancing and use of face masks.
He said the order would be backed by a mobile court to try and prosecute offenders.
