Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has ordered that all deaths in the State be reported and recorded henceforth at the closest health facility for burial protocosl by the Ministry of health.
The Governor stated this in a state-wide Broadcast from 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 are 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 a 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.
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 saying it is unacceptable.
He reiterated the guidelines to include a curfew from 10 p.m to 4 a.m. reinforcement of strict adherence to the wearing of face-masks, hand washing, use of sanitisers and maintenance of physical distancing.
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, places of worship among others.
He enjoined security agencies to ensure strict compliance to safety protocols, noting that violators will be prosecuted by mobile courts.
The Governor acknowledged and appreciated the cash and kind donations made by individuals and corporate entities.