About seven days after the announcement for a total lockdown in Taraba state by Governor Darius Ishaku, some residents of Jalingo have cried out over hunger as a result of lack of food stuff.
Mr. Kefas Moses, Bashir Ibrahim and Madam Rose Mary in an interview with Radio Nigeria Correspondent in Jalingo on the negative impact of the stay at home directive on them.
They appealed to the state government to provide them with financial or food stuff assistance to cushion their hardship, as well as to relax the restriction movement of Keke Napep riders.
They also suggested that, the government should allow the Keke riders to operate and each Keke Napep should not carry more than two persons to ensure the measure of observing social distancing.
It could be recalled that Governor Darius Ishaku through his Deputy, Engr. Haruna Manu had last week announced the total lockdown of the state while briefing newsmen in jalingo.
The lockdown which took effect from Friday, April 3rd 2020 by 11:00pm was aimed at to keep the covid-19 away from the state.
However, in a statement made available to newsmen by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Darius Ishaku, Hassan Mijinyawa on Wednesday said Governor Darius Ishaku has approved the relaxation of the lockdown earlier imposed on the stateto prevent the spread of covid-19.
“From Thursday, 9th April, 2020, and untill further notice, markets, shops and other places of business are allowed to operate between the hours of 8am to 2pm daily” The statement added.
It explained that human and vehicular movements are also allowed during the period and people to to avoid large gatherings as well as observe social distancing.
Governor Ishaku however, thanked people of the state for complying with the directives, adding that the state government is mindful of the hardship the lockdown caused many families but believed that it remains a necessary step that must be taken to protect the lives it’s citizens.