Kogi suspends commercial tricycle, motorbike operations over COVID-19

Kogi Government Friday suspended commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations as part of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

The state’s Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, disclosed this at a joint press conference at the Police Command headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital.

Onoja, who is the chairman of the state COVID-19 pandemic committee, also announced the ban on all public gatherings of any kind across the state until further notice.

He said: “We are advising everybody to stay at home and in staying at home, we will also ensure that mobility, especially bikes and tricycles, okada riders, will be restricted effective from Saturday, March 28, 2020.”

He said the order was in collaboration with security agencies who would ensure strict enforcement across the length and breadth of Kogi State.

On motorists plying highways in the state, he said, “For people passing through Kogi State to other destinations, we would advise strictly that there should be no stoppage within Kogi borders.

“And those who will be bringing passengers into Kogi State in Lokoja, the state capital, there are six stopping points – Natako, from the entrance from Abuja and the entrance from Obajana and Kabba junctions.

“Other stopping points will be Ganaja junction, Crusher, and Zango. All these points will be manned by security agencies and health officers to test passengers that would be coming out from those vehicles.

“We also ask that only stores and sellers of foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, drugs and essentials should open as from tomorrow (Saturday).

“All other traders that do not fall into any of these categories should please endeavour to have a lock-up of their stores and their shops.”