Plateau Lockdown: 22 defaulters sanctioned in Barkin Ladi, Riyom

22 defaulters of the 24hr lockdown in Central Nigeria’s Plateau State have been sanctioned, officials say.

The lockdown, set for seven days, starting Friday, was to allow for the complete fumigation of the State against the dreaded Coronavirus disease.

Governor of the State, Simon Lalong, Thursday warned that anyone who breaks the order would be tried by 10 newly established mobile courts.

10 of the sanctioned defaulters were arrested in Riyom Local Government Area, the State’s main entry point.

Mr. Mafeng Gwalson, Chairman of the LGA said the defaulters comprised locals who went to buy drinks in neighbouring States and citizens from other States coming into Plateau.

“They beat the security checkpoints and entered the LGA through bush paths but we had anticipated such and we planted securities at every corner, including the intersections of these bush paths and the main roads.

“They were all arrested, tried, fined and sent back to where they were coming from,” said Gwalson who defied rains to personally monitor compliance in the locality.

Aside from those arrested at the bush paths however, citizens generally complied with the “stay-at-home” order of the government, said the LGA Chairman.

The compliance, Gwalson said followed sustained sensitization by local authorities, the Local Government, traditional and religious leaders included.

In neighbouring Barkin Ladi LGA, 12 defaulters “from other States and Local Governments” were tried and fined.

Chairman of the LGA, Ezekiel Mandyau told Journalists that the arrests were made through sustained surveillance.

He vowed to ensure full compliance with the government order, while working out options to preserving perishable goods in the possession of local farmers and traders.