Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has called for all deaths in the State to be reported and recorded henceforth at the closest health facility for burial protocols by the Ministry of health.
The Governor stated this in a State-wide Broadcast at the Government House, Minna.
The Governor says despite the State Government’s efforts at improving on the management of COVID-19 pandemic which has gulped huge resources, loss of lives to the pandemic is on the increase.
“A pandemic that started as a joke is really killing so many and there is the need to join hands to ensure we stem the tide.”
Giving detailed break down of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the State Governor Sani Bello noted that though the state has recorded 166 confirmed cases, they are limited to 11 Local Government Areas which include Bida, Borgu, Bosso, Chanchaga, Kontagora, Mariga, Mokwa, Paikoro, Rafi, Shiroro and Suleja.
According to a statement by his spokeswoman, Mrs Mary Noel-Berje, he acknowledged that the State has however recorded nine COVID-19 related deaths so far
Governor Sani Bello who expressed dismay over the disregard to the established safety protocols of COVID-19 says it is unacceptable.
He reiterated the guidelines to include a curfew from 10 p.m. – 4a.m, reinforcement of strict adherence to the wearing of face-mask, hand washing, use of alcohol-based sanitisers and maintenance of physical distance between and among persons.
He also directed relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to embark on massive sensitisation of the public on the need to curtail the spread of the virus, especially in markets, motor parks, and places of worship.
He enjoined security agencies to ensure strict compliance as violators will be prosecuted by mobile courts.
The Governor acknowledges and appreciates the cash and kind donations made by individuals and corporate entities.
It would be recalled that Niger State Government has, in the last four months, continued to adopt measures geared towards wining the war against the spread of COVID-19 in the State.