-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
Residents of Oleh kingdom, Isoko South local government area, complied with the sit at home order by Delta State governor Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to prevent the transmission of coronavirus pandemic ravaging some states in Nigeria.
A visit round the metropolis revealed that markets, stores, shops, motor park, drinking bars, government offices and some filing stations were completely closed.
The road and streets were empty as Okada and vehicles stayed out in compliance with the sit at home order, except some youths and women loitering about the streets with complaints of “hunger, no food and no money.”
At Oleh/Ozoro road junction, the police were busy on stop and search for motorists that violated, even as vigilante group stationed at Yanga market Oleh to curtail unnecessary movement of persons and vehicles.
The closure of markets without alternative for people to buy food items, is likely to steer the people’s anger, as many are angry of no provision to cushion the effects of staying at home order.
At about 6.pm, a mild drama played out at Yanga market Oleh, when a team of policemen and Isoko South taskforce team led by Supervisor for environment Isoko South council, Hon. Oboba Festus visited the area.
Some market women selling fish, fresh tomatoes, pepper and other food items displayed them for sale just as the task force team seized some of the items and forced them to vacate the market.
Speaking to news correspondent, Hon. Oboba disclosed that the local government has directed the sales of food items at a designated primary school, Isoko Central School (I.C.S) tomorrow 2nd of April 2020.
He maintained that the market women will be informed to relocate immediately even as measures will be in place to control movement of persons in the market environment.
The market women appealed for provision of alternative market for them to sell stored food items as it is the only source of taking care of their family and sustain livelihood.