The Transition Committee Chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Mazi Emmanuel Kanu, has mobilized security personnel to man Abia State boundaries within the council.
Kanu’s action on Friday followed the directive by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to the chairmen whose councils have common boundaries with neighbouring states.
Indeed Governor Ikpeazu had directed that all such entry points from other states into Abia be closed, as part of measures to contain and curtail the spread of the Coronovirus pandemic.
Kanu, while addressing the security operatives, enjoined them to maintain a high level of professionalism in their conduct, and ensure that all safety procedures are adhered to. He also commended them for being committed to securing the boundary towns since the declaration of a lock down by the governor.
Kanu further re-assured the people of Arochukwu LGA of their safety, urging them to follow and apply all safety guidelines approved by the State government.
Some of the boundary areas visited included Amuvi, which links Akwa Ibom State, through Obotme-Nkana road; and Amukwa village, which also leads to another flank of Akwa Ibom State; Amasu beach bounded by Cross River State, as well as the vigilante duty post between Arochukwu and Cross River State.
Abia State is currently under a one-week lock down order effective April 1, 2020.
Whereas Abia State has not recorded any case of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Akwa Ibom State is credited with five cases of persons who have so far tested positive to the virus.
The decision to secure the boundary posts of Abia State with its neighbor is viewed as a strategy to forestall the possibility of the virus infiltrating from another State.