Lockdown: Stay at home or face arrest — Anambra Police Command

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command on Sunday warned that it has commenced full compliance with state government’s directive on total lockdown to forestall the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

This came on the heels of the announcement of an index case in the state on Friday night by National Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

Stories surrounding the index case had aroused fear that the disease may have been spread in parts of the state, hence the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, in a special broadcast announced stricter measures to prevent further spread.

The measures include total lockdown of the state, closure of all motor loading parks, and compulsory wearing of mask, among others. He also charged security agencies to ensure compliance.

Anambra Police in a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Haruna Mohammed, reminded the general public that the directive was in order to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The statement reads in part: “In view of this, the public are kindly requested to stay at home. No movement, no local transportation.

“The index case has been in the state since March 28th and has socialized extensively. This extreme restriction became necessary in order to identify and isolate primary and secondary contacts as well as ensure no further spread as the contact tracing is ongoing.

“The public is to note that the police and all security agencies in the state are geared to enforce this order to the letter in observance of overriding public health interest.”

The Command urged residents to utilise the following phone numbers in case of any emergency and to report, observe breaches of the lockdown order or other security needs accordingly.

The contacts include: CONTROL ROOM No – 07039194332, OPS Officer – CSP. William R. Odumu – 08036877447, O/C SARS CSP. Agbazue Patrick – 08112201345, O/C Fed H/WAY CSP. Ahmed Gaiya – 08039722267.

Others are OC Safer Highway, SP Isa Kolo – 08039714969, O/C Kpochapu, SP. Appah T. Abraham – 08032771100, OC Operation Udoka, SP Uche Eze – 0803401144, OC Anti Cult, SP Uche Onyinnaya – 07033778430 and PPRO SP Haruna Mohammed, PPRO -08060970639