By David Uka, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi has ordered the immediate arrest of those that organized the burial ceremonies that took place in Ezza South and Ikwo local government areas of Ebonyi State.
Umahi who gave the order while briefing newsmen in Abakaliki on government’s efforts towards tacking the dreaded corona virus in the State, directed the State Commissioner of Police, CP Awoshola Awotinde to ensure the arrest of all the policemen that supervised the burial ceremony.
The Governor who frowned at the development stressed that it was wrong for citizens of the state to violate government directives on ban on burial ceremonies, among others.
He further directed the Vice Chancellor of Alex Ekuweme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Ebonyi State to stop releasing corpses for burial in the State so to ensure the safety of citizens of the State.
“commissioner of Police make sure that the policemen that supervised the burial are arrested and detained. Chairmen of Ezza South and Ikwo, I don’t understand how burial ceremonies will take place in your LGA and you people are not aware. This thing should stop. We should safeguard the lives of our citizens.”
The Governor called on the Permanent Secretary of State Affairs, Mr. Austin Udude and Commissioner of Health, Dr. Daniel Umezuruike to identity 2 hotels within the capital which will be taken over by the State government for occupation by medical workers in the fight against the scourge.
On the lock down of the State which will commence today, the Governor charged the Chairmen of all the LGAs and security operatives to ensure strict compliance to the directive of the State Government.
According to the Governor, the lock down is not a joke as only vehicles on essential duty will be allowed into the State.