Akeredolu Blames Security Agents, Compromised Borders For Rise in COVID-19 Cases in Ondo

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has blamed the surge in cases of COVID-19 in the state on security agents who he accused of failing to enforce the government’s restriction order.

The governor stated this on Monday in Akure,the state capital during a Media briefing.

“I wish to draw our attention to three things that are worthy of note in these current situations. Our borders are still porous and heavily compromised.

“Our security agents, who ought to enforce the government’s restriction order are themselves accomplices who abuse the trust placed in them at this critical time.

“Members of the public, upon witnessing this massive compromise by law enforcement agents and other government officials, are thereby encouraged to defy the safety regulations and persist in error” Akeredolu said.

He explained that the two officers broke through all restrictions and border controls to enter the state even after one of them had been tested in Lagos on Thursday but failed to wait for the results before coming to Ondo State.

“The fourth and fifth cases are officers of the Nigerian Police Force, serving under the Lagos State Police Command while the sixth case is a murder suspect who was arrested in Edo State and transferred to Ondo State for a trial of crime earlier committed in Ondo State. The seventh case was a female civilian who snuck into the state from Abuja.

“Meanwhile the eighth case was discovered in Owo and samples taken were confirmed positive late last night” he explained.

Akeredolu called on the people of the state to continue to comply with the precautionary regulations against COVID-19 as recommended by the government.

“While we are not unaware of the disruptions and inconveniences occasioned by these regulations, we request the highest level of citizen responsibility, particularly as we face the serious risk of community transmission.

“In specific terms, I ask you, my people of Ondo State to be: more vigilant about existing neighbours and new faces around you; observe the State of the health of fellow citizens, with particular attention to the established symptoms of COVID-19; report any reasonable suspicion to appropriate authorities or special tolls free numbers dedicated for rapid response.

“Encourage one another to be bold and report strange changes in personal health status to the authorities; obey the restriction orders and all social and physical distancing regulations; stay indoors and observe the regular hand washing and other hygiene protocols; wear a face mask in any case of interaction with the public outside your homes.

“Our experience before the new cases at the weekend showed that if we work together, we could defeat the COVID-19 and save our own lives” he added.