COVID-19: Niger govt turns trailer-load of people back to Lagos

The Niger State government has ordered a trailer, filled with over fifty people, to return to Lagos State, where it was reportedly coming from.

The state government is going tough with its lockdown order to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

The truck, which was heading to Kano from Lagos, was stopped by security personnel at Gidan Kwano area of the state.

It was gathered that the truck was covered with a trampoline with some people underneath and others on it.

The explanation from the persons found on the truck were reportedly considered no credible by the security operatives.

The driver had reportedly explained that they were coming from Lagos and going to Kano, pleading that they should be allowed to pass through as they pledged not to stop in the state.

But the security at the point called the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), who doubles as the Chairman of the state Task force on COVID-19, Ahmed Matane, to seek permission to allow them to pass through the state.

VIDEO: Niger State Govt Turns Trailer Filled With Over 50 People Back To Lagos Amid Coronavirus Lockdown pic.twitter.com/ugayalc4RU

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But Matane, on arrival at the point where the truck was stopped, told the security personnel to escort the trailer through the road it came into the state, insisting that there was no waiver for any truck that is not carrying food items, fuel or other essential products to enter into the state.

The SSG emphasized that the state was determined not to allow anyone to cross its boundaries while expressing his doubt over the health status of the passengers in the truck.

The 24-hour-restriction order in Niger State entered its third day on Wednesday and there have been total compliance and enforcement, according to security personnel, since the lockdown began.