By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Few hours to the lifting of the month-long lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja; Lagos and Ogun states some residents of Abuja have expressed worries over the increase in the number of people testing positive for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) disease.
Mr. Akindele Badamosi who owns a provision store at the Kabusa village market near Lokogoma area of FCT told Prompt News in a chat that he fears that the lifting of the lockdown may lead to an increase in the number of Covid-19 positive cases.
He said that his fears stem from the fact that many residents especially those in the satellite towns and Abuja suburbs are yet to adhere to health experts advisory including observation of personal hygiene protocol.
He argued that most of the residents in Kabusa village like their counterparts in Mpape, Kurudu, Karishi, Jikoyi, Abaji, Orozo, Kunchigoro, and settlements in FCT neither obeyed the lockdown nor observed physical distancing, wearing of face masks and constant washing of hands with soap.
Another resident of Lugbe, Ibrahim Abdullahi Bako argued that most of the residents in that area of FCT are oblivious of the Covid-19 pandemic hence they have continued to go about their normal duties even when the lockdown was in force in Abuja.
He, therefore, fears that the lifting of lockdown in Abuja will likely see the increase in the number of Covid-19 positive cases, adding that the more the people are allowed to mingle together the spread of the virus is inevitable.
Both men, however, advised the FCT Administration to find a way to focus more on arresting the situation by enforcing the physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and constant washing of hands or use of hand sanitizers by the residents.
Our correspondent who visited Kabusa village market in the Abuja Municipality at the weekend and can confirm that most of the people who were at the market did not wear face masks nor observe other recommended health protocol even as there were pushing and shoving in the crowded market known for farm products and other perishable food items.
Prompt News recalls that the Federal Government had
last Monday through a nationwide broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari announced a gradual easing of Covid-19 lockdown which will commence on Monday, May 4, 2020, with the reopening of businesses and government offices nationwide.