COVID-19: A'Ibom Imposes Total Curfew

Akwa Ibom State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew across the state from 8p.m. to 6a.m. with effect from May 4, 2020.

This is one of the major conditions attached to the relaxation of restriction of movements occasioned by COVID-19 in the state.

Giving an update of expectations from Akwa Ibom citizens as the state relaxes its economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Uyo on Monday, the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, cautioned that no one, no matter how highly placed, would be allowed to violate the curfew.

Ekuwem reiterated the state Governor, Udom Emmanuel's earlier insistence on compulsory use of face mask by everyone in public places.

The state government also used the occasion to stress that the ban on religious gatherings, hospitality services, social gatherings, parties, funerals and concerts remains in effect until further notice.

"All plazas and recreational centres remain closed. All schools remain closed until further notice.  Non-essential inter-state movements remain prohibited except those involved in agricultural produce or medical personnel and equipment.

"Markets will be opened three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Face masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed by all.  All passengers using public transport must make use of face mask. Tricycles must not convey more than three passengers, including the rider. 

"Taxis must carry a maximum of three persons (one in front and two behind);  buses must not carry more than two persons per row.  All public transport operators must provide hand sanitizers in their vehicles.  The ban on commercial motorcycles within Uyo capital city is still in effect.

"Farmers are allowed to carry out their tasks and freely transport their food items while wearing face masks and should not be more than three people on any public transport vehicle. Agricultural produce will be allowed free and easy movement across the state, but the use of facemasks must be enforced," he said.

The SSG also used the occasion to appeal to construction companies to transport their materials within the hours permitted for movement, or be prepared to sleep by the border if they are caught up by the curfew.

Accepting the task to enforce the curfew and other conditions attached to the relaxation of the lockdown, the state Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, said his men would be back on the streets to enforce the use of face mask by the day and the curfew at night.

The state police boss appealed to the state government to call its elites to order, as no individual or office would be exempted from the dusk-to-dawn curfew.

He pledged to strengthen the border posts across the state to ensure that inter-state movement does not occur during the period of the restrictions.