Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has said that all major markets in Makurdi would be fumigated on Thursday as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as part of measure to curtail COVID-19.
Ortom disclosed this while addressing traders at Wadata, Wurukum, North Bank and Makurdi modern markets on Wednesday.
He said that during the fumigation exercise, he would not want to see traders around the markets.
The governor urged the traders to comply with the government’s directive of staying at home for 14 days.
“Today we are begging you to obey the directive, but as from tomorrow, the security agencies will be enforcing it.
“We need your cooperation in order to achieve our desired target,” he said.
Ortom who noted that the directive was in the public interest, said “we do not want our people to be infected by the coronavirus.
“The disease does not have a cure. So, we have to give you advice to enable you to take precautions.”
He advised them to wash their hands often with soap under running water, use hand sanitisers, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and maintain social distance.
“Anyone who notice that he or she is coughing, sneezing, having high body temperature, should report to the Federal Medical Centre, Apir and Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi for testing.
“Do not be afraid or be shy of going to the designated centres for testing when you are experiencing those signs. The government will pay all the medical bills,” Ortom said.
