Ganduje introduces seven-day lockdown across Kano State as the number of cases grows to nine

GOVERNOR Abdullahi Ganduje has introduced a seven day lockdown across Kano State with effect from tomorrow Thursday April 16 after the number of affected people in the state soared to nine this morning.

Kano State confirmed its index case on April 11after a former diplomat was said to have travelled to Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna and returned to the state on March 25. Since then, the number of cases have risen steadily, with five new instances being announced today, bringing the total number to nine.

In a swift response, Governor Ganduje announced a total one week lockdown, saying it will be rigorously enforced across the state. Salihu Yakasai, Governor Ganduje's spokesman, said that the governor has ordered security agencies in the state to ensure full enforcement of the lockdown as no movement would be tolerated.

He added that the lockdown would take effect from 10pm on Thursday and warned that violators would be arrested. In addition, Mr Yakasai added that the he state government was intensifying ongoing efforts to trace persons who tested positive for the virus but have not submitted themselves to the authorities.

Apparently, the virus spread across Kano State when the index case had several engagements with family, friends and close associates and also attended a wedding fatiha and Juma’at prayer. So far, 373 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in 19 states across Nigeria and of that figure, 99 persons have been discharged, while 11 deaths have been recorded.