Anambra State Government in its resolve to strengthen enforcement of the boundaries closures has adopted a new initiative aimed purely at supporting existing and laudable efforts of the Police and other agencies and not to replace it; by involving community efforts.
Thus, political appointees have been posted to designated boundary locations to support enforcement actions by the Police and other security agencies.
Likewise, porous and informal boundary points identified in various local communities with little presence of formal security will henceforth be manned by select youth leaders who will help prevent any form of movement into the State from those locations.
Vigilante groups in all communities bordering the State have also been fully activated to support nominated youths and law enforcement agencies to enforce the boundary closures while Traditional Rulers and Presidents-General of affected communities are to ensure follow up action.
According to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, this unique step was taken “to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and observed continued influx of persons into the State especially through informal boundary routes thereby exposing the State to the risk of imported community spread of the virus.”
“The political appointees and youths so posted have been strictly admonished not to indulge in any kind of extortion and unwholesome conduct but are empowered to be firm in disallowing movement of unauthorised persons, goods and services.”
“The State Government urges all indigenes of Anambra State to remain wherever they are in the country for the time being. The general public is also strongly advised that the State boundaries are closed and will not admit travellers into the State at this time.” Chukwulobelu said.
The State Government has also set up Independent monitoring teams to oversee the activities of the political appointees and youths so posted as well as the general enforcement of the border closures.
Photo: Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State.
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