Ishaku places travel ban in and out of Taraba

To curtail the spread of the dreaded coronavirus in Taraba State, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, has placed a ban on travels in and out of the state.

The ban, which takes effect today (Sunday), is aimed at preventing residents from contracting the virus, which has continued to wreak havoc in parts of the world.

A press statement signed, yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa, said the governor decided to act “to check the spread of coronavirus in the state.”

He said: “The decision to close the land borders was taken as part of continued efforts by government to protect residents from dreaded coronavirus spread.

“The state Commissioner of Police, as well as the Commandant of National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been directed to ensure strict compliance.”

The Guardian check revealed that though no confirmed case has been recorded in the state, the governor’s refusal to replicate same in worship centres have become a source of worry to medical experts and concerned persons.

Wondering why the governor placed a ban on travels within and outside the state without enjoining the people to imbibe the culture of social distancing, medical personnel expressed sadness that religious activities in the state had continued, when the virus was still spreading.

Those who spoke with The Guardian alleged that the governor, who ought to lead by example, was seen attending a religious gathering.They urged him to take a cue from his colleagues in other parts of the country, by closing worship centres to avoid spread.

As at the time of filing this report, The Guardian observed that there was little or no social distancing in the state, as weddings, naming ceremonies and other forms of social events continued to hold.