Coronavirus is now the most popular word used globally not for good but on account of the threat it is posing to public health Worldwide.

Countries are deploying measures to prevent and contain the dreaded disease which has left the world with over 1.6 total confirmed cases and over 100,000 deaths recorded globally.

Nigeria is not left out as States have come up with ways of curtailing the disease. Total case in Nigeria stands at 288 with 7 deaths recorded nationally.

The Plateau State Government has ordered total lockdown with effect from Thursday Midnight 9th April to Wednesday 15th April, 2020.

Our visit to Riyom Local Government Area met an excellent level of compliance with few arrest of defaulters.

The Council Boss, Hon. Mafeng Gwallson, his appointees and the Sector 6 Commander in the Area, Col. Gwani were on ground to enforce compliance.

A highly elated Hon. Gwallson expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance.

He said he is impressed and overwhelmed with the compliance by the citizens except for few cases of violators who were arrested and tried by the mobile Court in the Area.

He said the people are aware of the danger posed by COVID-19 globally and are adhering to the preventing measures and government directives aimed at stemming the spread of the virus.

He said those arrested are being tried, fined and asked to return to where they are coming from or made to undertake community service if they are unable to pay.

He expressed optimism that full compliance will be recorded as defaulters are being punished to serve as deterrent to others who may want to violate the lockdown order imposed in the State which he said is in the best interest of public health.

Hon. Mafeng said though COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected socio-economic activities, the hardship being faced by the people is temporal.

He frowned at alternative routes being created to bypass and circumvent checkpoints as well as other illegal activities leading to the contravention of the lockdown directive.

Hon. Gwallson said Riyom LGA being the gateway to Plateau State from other geopolitical zones to Plateau State and most Northern States will enforce full compliance, assuring that no violator will go Scot-free.

He said measures have also been put in place to ensure that perishable farm produces are attended to in order to avoid losses by the Locals.

He said PPE and other preventive items have been distributed across the Local Government Area and urged the people to adhere to all preventive measures and government directives.

Hon. Pam Nyango the Supervisory Councillor for Special Duties Riyom LGC and Hon. Gyang Mwadkwon the Council representing Kwogo Ward in their separate remarks said the Local Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Riyom LGA is coronavirus-free. They also lauded the people for complying with the lockdown directive.

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COVID-19 Plateau Lockdown: “I am very impressed and overwhelmed by the Level of Compliance in Riyom LGA” – Hon. Gwallson