As we approach the final hours of the week-long lockdown announced by the Plateau State Government to enable a fumigation/decontamination of the Jos, and 17 LGAs of the state, many have raised concerns over a possible extension of the restriction, especially following the Federal Government’s decision to extend restriction of movement in and out of Lagos, Ogun & the FCT by 14 more days.
Nigeria Star News gathered some useful feedbacks from the current situation. Most residents welcomed the initiative of the State Government and were full of appreciation the
the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong for taking urgent steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Virus in the state, while the situation remain Zero Case.
The level of compliance has been high so far, with pockets of violations. Major challenges faced by residents have been large shortage of food supply, attributed to the fact that most residents work for their daily bread. Portable water supply to some areas has also been a challenge, while electricity supply has improved significantly in most areas. Residents of areas like Jenta Adamu, Kabong, Jenta-Makeri reportedly witnessed intense shortage of water.
The fumigation/decontamination was successful in Jos, mainly covering major roads, business areas and some residential areas in the heart of town. While it is comprehensive is the heart of town, many areas are yet to see ASTC Tractors or Personnel around. Areas like Angwan Rukuba saw decontamination of the market area and residentials close to the popular Angwan Rukuba Junction, residents of hinter areas like Angwan Dutse, Chwelnyap-St Michaels, Fudawa areas have expressed worry over what the described as ‘selective decontamination exercise’.
Most residents of Jos took to Social Media posting updates on compliance and decontamination in their various areas. Some residents uploaded a video of an unidentified individual dressed in a yellow overall factory suit, with a mechanized knapsack sprayer passing through the street of an area reported to be Kadima, Hwolshe area of Jos South LGA. It is not clear if the individual is a staff of ASTC on duty, and whether he was fumigating or decontaminating the road.
Members of the Neighborhood Watch have assisted significantly, in collaboration with security agencies to enforce the lockdown. Though, there have been reports of brutality.
Should the State Government decide to extend the restriction of movement, there is need to liaise with ward heads, district heads, vigilante and community leaders to ensure a proper and effective distribution of palliatives to residents, especially food and water.
Security agencies have reportedly been compromising at the borders, letting in travelers in and out of the state, despite Government directive on no entry – no exit from the state. Many have taken to social media to vent their concerns over this incident and have called on Government to ensure that the trend is arrested to prevent the entry of individuals carry in the COVID-19 Virus.
Audu A. S is reporting from Jos the Plateau State Capital
Nigeria Star News 