REACTIONS TRAIL ONE WEEK LOCKDOWN IN ABIA STATE

Reactions have trailed the one week total lockdown order by the Abia State Government to contain the spread of coronavirus in the area. While some residents see the move as a welcome development, others say they are not happy with the total restriction of movement. They made their feelings known while speaking with our correspondent who went to monitor compliance with the directive in Umuahia.

One of the residents at Isicourt Area, Mr Joe Nwachukwu said observing the stay at home was a good thing as stories from countries were the people were worse hit by the virus should serve as warning for Nigerians to obey the Government orders for their own good. For Pastor Daniel Nwoko who came out to refill his gas cylinder at a filling station nearby, he was not happy with the restriction of movement, as it had not only disrupted people’s businesses but stopped them from attending church services.

He called on the State Government to relieve the burden of the stay at home order by paying salaries and implementing other palliative measures to cushion the effect especially on the poor. Another resident, Mr Emeka Okafor said he was impressed with the level of compliance though there were few defaulters whom he observed while on his way to pick his wife who was on essential duty.

He noted that poor supply of electricity would make it hard for people to cope with the order and urged the State Government to lift the lockdown from time to time. Mr Okafor urged other residents to take the Coronavirus pandemic seriously adding that the stay at home order would give families more time to enjoy each others company.

Radio Nigeria observed that there was reduction in movements on the first day of the lockdown as few private vehicles were seen plying the roads with law enforcement agents at strategic points while most shops and stalls were under lock in the areas visited.

IFEAKANWA UDEOZO