Zamfara closes mosques, churches, markets to tackle COVID-19 

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the executive governor of Zamfara State has announced the closure of all markets in the State as well as the suspension of congressional prayers in mosques and churches across the state.

Governor Matawalle made the announcement last night as part of additional measures to curtail community transmission of COVID-19 in the state.

The governor re-affirmed the 8 pm to 6 pm curfew announced by the Federal Government with an additional measure taken on Kaura Namoda Local Government area where he placed a 6 pm to 6 am curfew daily.

“The situation in Kaura Namida is especially worrisome considering the rising number of people dying of coronavirus in the area, including its paramount monarch,” he lamented.

He explained that the family of the late Emir has been quarantined, and that fumigation of the palace and major areas of the city has equally been done.

Governor Matawalle who said the new measure would last for one week lamented the nonchalant attitude of the people to the observance of the simple safety rules of social distancing, use of face masks and hand sanitizers.

Matawalle said the closure of markets, however, does not affect pharmaceutical shops and super markets, stressing that his government would ensure that all safety measures are employed before they are allowed to operate.

The governor urged the people to henceforth, observe their prayers at home as it does not negate the teaching of Islam.

The former federal lawmaker who was the chairman, security and public safety in the Federal House of Representatives said that at the end of the week, his administration will review the effect of the new measures to determine the next line of action.