- Kano residents welcome lockdown
There was a major protest in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos on Monday as irate youths and other residents of the area trooped out to express dissatisfaction with the continuous lockdown ordered by the Federal government over the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Monday extended the lockdown of the State for another one week.
Also affected by the extension are Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Buhari announced a total lockdown of Kano State for two weeks.
While some of the youths carried placards pleading that the lockdown be lifted, others screamed that it is a harbinger of hunger, as they are hungry with their families.
One of the youths with the placards, Yusuf Olakunle, said the situation is already getting out of hand as he relied on whatever sales he makes from his shop to feed his family.
Olakunle said since the beginning of the lockdown, it has become difficult to feed his family, noting that his wife is now seven months pregnant.
Another protester, who said he works with one of the contractors in Dangote Refinery, lamented that since the refinery stopped all contractors from working as a result of the Federal government ordered lockdown, eating and feeding his family and siblings has been a big issue.
He said: “I am the breadwinner of my family and I am a welder who works with one of the contractors in Dangote Refinery.
“But since this lockdown began, I don’t have any work to do, hence there is no money to buy food for my family.
“I will rather be killed by the virus than die of hunger. The Federal government should end the lockdown.”
The irate youths, who burnt used tyres on the road, also set ablaze trucks and some company vehicles, which ran into their protest.
Meanwhile the Onilekki of Lekki, Oba Olumuyiwa Liasimm Ogunbekun, has appealed to the youths to be calm and law abiding as the country is going through tough times because of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that Dangote Refinery still remains their major source of daily earnings as more jobs are continuously created.
The Federal government had, four weeks ago, imposed lockdown on the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Lagos and Ogun states due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But unlike in Lagos, residents of Kano State expressed support for the two weeks total lockdown order on the State announced by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari in a broadcast on Monday announced the total lockdown of the State with immediate effect, to stem the spread of coronavirus.
He said: “With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately.
“The Federal government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighbouring States.”
Reacting, some of the residents described the move as a welcome development.
A resident of Rijiyar Zaki area of the metropolis, Mr Habibu Umar, said the measure is timely, and would help to contain the pandemic.
According to her, some people are not complying with the lockdown and social distancing order, as such the total lockdown is necessary to stop the further spread of the virus.
“The mass deaths recorded in the state necessitated such proactive measures to protect public health and stem the pandemic,” he added.
Another resident, Usman Baballe, said he would be happy if the lockdown is relaxed after payment of salaries to enable workers do some shopping for the Ramadan.
“We will stay indoors as we are law abiding citizens and pray for a quick end to the pandemic,” he said.
Similarly, one Aminu Ibrahim urged the state and Federal government to ensure fairness in the distribution of palliative to less privileged members of the society.
Ibrahim said the lockdown has exposed residents who are mostly petty traders and daily income earners to hardship, stressing that such support from the government would encourage them to stay-at-home.
He also called on the people to adhere to advices on precautionary measures against the virus, in order to remain safe and healthy.
Ibrahim urged residents to observe social distancing and maintain good personal hygiene in order to stay safe.