The Delta State Government on March 29, ordered the closure of all land borders of the state and the airports as part of measures to prevent corona virus from entering the state.
The affected land borders are between Edo and Delta at Alifekede in Ika south local government area and at Idumuje Ugboko, in Aniocha north local government area.
Gallantreporters visited the Alifekede border where a combined team of the Military, Police and FRSC was on duty ensuring that no vehicle was allowed access into Delta.
The only exceptions were vehicles or trucks conveying food items, drugs/medical equipment, petroleum products or persons in emergency health situations.
Many heavy duty trucks were seen parked on both sides of the Benin end of the border.
A senior police officer at the border told our reporter that the closure was total except for the exceptions listed above, but the mood did not suggest that.
Some of the truck drivers who spoke to our reporter in confidence said the border would be opened at midnight for them to continue their journey, but did not disclose the conditions attached.
The Chairman of Ika south local government, Honourable Victor Okoh, who was at the boarder when our crew visited, said adequate arrangement had been made for the welfare of the security personnel manning the bordet.
He said the border closure was supposed to be total for the 14 day lockdown and denied the allegation that it was usually opened at midnight, though he would not be there at that time to monitor.
If the border closer over the COVID – 19 is to prevent the virus from entering Delta state, then it is important the closure is strictly enforced and the borders not turned to money spinning machines for those who are supposed to man them for the good of all Deltans.
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