Niger SSG turns back trailer carrying people from Lagos

A trailer carrying over 50 people from Lagos State was on Wednesday ordered to return by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ahmed Matane.

The truck was stopped by security operatives at Gidan Kwano, Niger State.

The driver explained they were coming from Lagos and going to Kano.

But the security official called Matane, who also chairs the State Task Force on COVID-19, to seek permission to allow them to pass through the state.

Matane arrived on the scene, and ordered security personnel to escort the trailer back to where it came from.

He stressed there was no waiver for any truck not carrying food items, fuel or other essential products, to enter the state following the lockdown.

An eyewitness said the truck had been covered with tarpaulin, adding that while some boys were on top of the truck, others were under the covering.

The SSG emphasised that the state was determined not to allow anyone to cross its boundary.

The 24-hour restriction order in Niger entered its third day on Wednesday and there had been total compliance and enforcement since the lockdown began.  (The Nation)