…all citizens are required to stay at home – CP
Joy Anyim
The Lagos State Police Command, on Tuesday, began the enforcement of the 14 days lockdown, directed by the federal government to curtail the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.
The Nigerian Xpress reports that military personnel, men from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), amongst other security agencies were part of the enforcement operation spearheaded by the police.
Briefing operatives on the mode of the enforcement early on Tuesday morning at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu maintained that all citizens are required to stay at home in line with the directive.
In his explanation, Odumosu stated that the complete lockdown of activities in the state, excluded those in the medical, food, petroleum, power and private security sectors.
While charging Officers to enforce the directive professionally, with compassion, and respect the rights of citizens, the CP said : “The order requires all citizens of Lagos State to stay at home and postpone travels to or from other states. All businesses and offices within the State were directed to be fully closed within the period.
“The order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution. Commercial establishments such as: food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities; power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are also exempted.
“Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored. Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted. Banks are allowed to render skeletal services.”
Meanwhile, Odumosu had also gone round boundaries between Lagos and Ogun State and major streets in the State to monitor compliance with the directives issued by the Federal Government on March, 29 for cessation of all movements in the state.
Expressing satisfaction with the level of compliance, the Commissioner of Police urged Lagosians to support the state government to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“For information or complaints regarding non compliance, call the following numbers 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288, ” he added.
Similarly, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a section of the Lagos state Command led by the commander, Olatunji Disu, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, also visited different parts of the metropolis.
According to Disu: “Some of the places visited included: Maryland, Ojota, Ketu, Mile 12, Owode – Onirin, Majidun, Ogolonto, Agric, Ikorodu and Ojodu – Berger, Magodo. In all there was total compliance.
“At Ikosi Road and Majidun, we enlightened tens of youth who barricaded the roads and were playing football. We advised them on the need to observe social distancing, imbibe the culture of regular hand – washing in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
“We urged them to go back to their houses, emphasizing that the essence of the sit at home order is to minimise social interactions. We also picked about 16 tyres the youth used in blocking the road.”
The correspondent also observed that commercial vehicle operators, as well as businesses within residential areas of the state, were closed up in line with the directive.