Buhari extends Lagos, Ogun, Abuja lockdown by 14 days

 

BY OUR EDITOR

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his lockdown order of Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, by another two weeks.

The initial two-week ban of movement in the two states and the FCT, to enable the country effectively confront the coronavirus pandemic, expired today.

Buhari said the 14 days lockdown extension is to enable the country consolidate on the gains of the last two weeks.

According to the president, the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing the transmission of the virus.

“By sustaining these measures, combined with extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the spread of the disease.

“Our approach to the virus remains in two steps. First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners.

“With this in mind and having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force #PTFCOVID19 and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days, effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight,” the president announced in a televised speech to the country on Monday.

READ: BREAKING: Buhari shuts down Lagos, Abuja, Ogun for 2 weeks over Coronavirus

To further press home the seriousness of the pandemic and justify the extension, the president said: “This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square.

“The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We cannot be lax.”

He added: “This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear.

“The repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable.

“We must not lose the gains achieved thus far. We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission. We must endure a little longer.”

The president said previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.