Lockdown: Dozens arrested as Plateau mounts CCTV at borders

Dozens of travelers attempting to sneak into Plateau from other States during an ongoing statewide quarantine have been arrested, Officials say.

Government on Monday mounted closed circuit television cameras at State borders to check illegal entry during the lockdown.

Several travelers and commuters being aware of the new surveillance system attempted sneaking through isolated roads and “Bush paths”, but were arrested, State Commissioner of Information, Dan Manjang said, Tuesday.

Many of them, Manjang said were tried and sentenced – some to community service with fines, and some to COVID-19 isolation centers.

Among those confined to isolation centers, sources say are 48 travelers from Lagos and other high risk coronavirus States heading to Jos through Southern Lafia-Shendam road.

The route is one of many entry points that are hard to control, the Information Commissioner said.

“In Kanam alone, we have about 13 illegal entry roads. There are many others in virtually border local governments but the most common ones are the Riyom, Babale and Samunaka routes all of which have been hard to control especially at nights,” Manjang said.

The State according to Manjang is considering mounting barricades and creating more checkpoints at its borders to prevent people sneaking in and posing health threats to citizens.

Communities are also requested to report returnees or travelers from other States for necessary examination, said Mr. Manjang.