Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has declared two weeks lockdown in Kabba-Kunnu Local Government Area for contact tracing of COVID-19 cases in the state, after an extensive denial by the government.
It was gathered that the governor said though the state government had a reservation for the NCDC’s announcement of COVID-19 cases in the state, it was locking down the area as a proactive step.
He called on security operatives in the state to ensure that the lockdown was effectively enforced.
Bello promised adequate palliatives to cushion the effect of the lockdown in the affected area.
“I do not enjoy lockdown as I know the economic, social, and even health implications of such a decision. But we have to take a proactive step and provide effective leadership in ensuring that our people are safe,” he added.
The Governor, however, described as “suspicious” the declaration of two positive cases in the state.
“NCDC did not carry health officials in the state along in its investigation prior to the so-called confirmation,” Bello complained.
The NCDC had last week announced two index cases of COVID-19 in Kogi since the pandemic was first reported in February.
When the index cases were first announced, the Kogi State Government disassociated itself from the NCDC results.