In its efforts at firming up the enforcement of the lockdown it ordered in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Abia State Government has approved the operation of Covid-19 Mobile Court in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia to try violators of the order.

Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the State Covid-19 Committee, Chris Ezem, in a statement he personally signed, stated that the lock down was still in force in Abia State, urging all and sundry to remain steadfast and committed to the fight against Covid-19 by cooperating with the security agencies, State and Local Government Enforcement Teams as they implement the lockdown order.

Ezem solicited the understanding of all as it continues to roll out palliatives to cushion the pain and effect of the lockdown occasioned by the pandemic.

The statement said that government has directed that all motor parks and markets to remain closed during this lockdown as the security agencies and enforcement teams have been instructed to impound and confiscate any intra/intercity passenger vehicles leaving any park or around our borders.

It warned that any market or motor park found flouting these directive will be sealed up indefinitely and the head of such market or union removed and prosecuted, maintaining that the directive on compulsory use of face mask by all remains operational and a law and encouraged Abians to continue to maintain minimum hygiene level by regular hand washing, use of hand sanitizers and wearing of face masks.

In another development, Abia State Government said it is particularly grateful to all donors in cash and material to the fight against covid-19 pandemic in the State.

Meanwhile, the SSG and Chairman of the State Covid-19 Committee, Chris Ezem has announced the names of the donors who have so far supported the fight against the coronavirus in the State. These include: National Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Abia State University Uturu, Nigeria Breweries Plc, United Bank for Africa, Gregory University, Chrisnak Foundation, Inner Galaxy Company Ltd, Abia Comets FC, and Mr. Enyinnaya Nwafor.

Others are Mr./Mrs. Basil and Gloria Onyenucheya, 7-Up Bottling Company Nig. Ltd, Association Of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Basil Ogbuanu, PhD, MD/CEO, Second Coming Nig., serving corps members in Abia State, Crunches Fried Chicken, Academic Staff Union Of University (MOUAU), Antouun Abdelehad, Manager Lotto, Aba, and Sir C. Y Nwankwo.

In the same vein, the State Government commended all the front-line service providers and those on essential duties including medical and para-medical personnel, environmental and community health officers, ASEPA, all volunteer organizations, security agencies, TIMAAS, Peace Corps, vigilante groups, Nigerian Legion, Boys Scout and the Press for their efforts towards the fight against Covid-19 in the State.

The statement noted that the State Government remains grateful to Ndi-Abia for their endurance, steadfastness and compliance with all Government directives.