The Kwara government has ordered a total lockdown of Offa, one of the towns in the state.

In a statement issued by Kayode Alabi, the deputy governor/chairman, Kwara state technical committee on COVID-19, on Tuesday, the government said lockdown became necessary to limit the level of spread of the virus.

“Following the confirmation of two cases of COVID-19 in Offa, the government is compelled to effect a total shutdown of the ancient town to contain community transmission and save people’s lives. This shutdown will become effective at 6 pm local time on Wednesday, April 8th,” the statement read.

“This directive is pursuant to the Kwara State Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020. The shutdown means a total restriction on every vehicular movement into or from Offa.

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“The exceptions to this directive are those contained in the recent address of Mr President which granted access to vehicles transporting foodstuffs, poultry and pharmaceutical products.

Any other movement, private or commercial, is hereby banned for the next 14 days or until such a time the government is satisfied that our people are no longer at risk of mass infections arising from the two cases that have been traced to the town.

“Any violators are liable to punishments outlined in the Kwara State Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020. Various security agencies, including the police and the Nigerian Navy, have been drafted to enforce this directive while His Royal Highness the Olofa of Offa has been fully briefed.”

The government dismissed claims that one of the two suspected COVID-19 cases had died, as “they both remain stable and asymptomatic at this time”.

The statement also added that plans were in place to distribute palliative to the vulnerable in the affected communities.