The Kano state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has ordered the closure of all routes linking to the state from other parts of the country from Friday 27th March, by 12 midnight.

This is contained in a statement by Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ganduje and issued to newsmen in Kano on Wednesday night.

The statement reads in parts:

“As from Friday 27th March, by 12 midnight, all movements coming in or out of the state are banned.

“This includes all kinds of movements through the borders of the state. Even those coming to Kano through the Domestic Wing of Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) will remain at the airport, without getting entrance into the city.

“This decision is hard, but absolutely necessary, as part of precautionary measures against the deadly COVID-19 possible spread. We urge Kano citizens and all other Nigerians to bear with this difficult situation.”

The state government, according to the governor, would take all the necessary steps in making sure that the state is safeguarded against the deadly disease.

“People must cooperate with health workers and all other stakeholders to make sure that our state is safe and the country in general.”

Social distancing, as advised by health workers, according to the governor, and the need to stay at home by all is an important aspect that should always be observed.

He added that handwashing with soap and running water or cleaning with a sanitizer should always be observed by people, emphasising that, ”

All what health workers are doing is for the benefit of all, to have an improved healthy society with a healthy population.”

Governor reminded that civil servants who were ordered to stay off from offices were given that directive to allow them to stay at home for their safety and that of the society at large.

All members of the public should stay away from going to markets, unless for essential needs,” he warns.

While borders would remain shut, according to the governor, the state would continue studying the situation and keep people abreast of any development.

“We are therefore calling on people to keep on praying and make sure that they always abide by all the medical advice given by health workers.

“All security agencies like Nigeria Police Force, Kano Roads Transport Authority (KAROTA), Hisbah among others, will ensure the enforcement of the order and call on the public to cooperate with the security agents,” he added.