Katsina Shuts Land Borders, Suspends Friday, Sunday Services

The Katsina State Government has ordered the closure of land borders and routes linking the state to other parts of the country with effect from Saturday, March 28, 2020 to curtail the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The government also suspended weekly Friday prayers by Muslims and Sunday service for Christians and other social gathering such as weddings and political events across the state.

The State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Home Affairs, Mr. Abdulkarim Yahaya Sirika, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists yesterday.

He explained that movements in and out of the state were banned beginning from 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2020.

He therefore, urged residents to minimise all gatherings in view of the warning by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in order to tackle the spread of the dreaded epidemic.

Sirika said: “In continuation of its efforts to contain the possible spread of Coronavirus pandemic in the state, His Excellency, the Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, has directed for closure of all borders with neighbouring states and Niger Republic.

“To this effect therefore, movement of people into the state is strictly prohibited with effect from 6: 00a.m. on Saturday 28th March, 2020.

“However, fuel tankers and vehicles carrying food items and other essential commodities will be allowed into the state subject to screening and test at the point of entry. Meanwhile people are at liberty to move within the state.”

The commissioner urged the people to adhere strictly and continue to pray for God’s intervention against the pandemic in the state and the country in general.

In a related development, the state government has directed all civil servants in the state to stay at home till further directive.