Mix reactions have trailed the decision of the Kaduna State Government to extend the total lockdown of the state by 30 days to curtail further spread of the dreaded COVID-19.
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News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Nasir El-rufai’i announced the extension on Sunday in a statement.
However, residents were divided over the matter, with some saying that the 30 days extension of the lockdown was a step in the right direction while others viewed it as punitive.
Alhaji Mahmoud Saleh, an entrepreneur residing in Badarawa Kaduna told NAN that the governor’s decision was based on experts’ advice and urged the people to bear with the situation.
“You should bear in mind that there is a committee working round the clock to ensure that normalcy returned to our dear state and indeed, the country.
“We are even fortunate to have a day off to allow people restock, an opportunity you will not find in other countries,” he noted.
Mallam Jubril Nafada, a civil servant residing in Barnawa, said the development would have been embraced if, the poor and vulnerable members in the state got a fair share of the government palliative.
“No one would have raised an eyebrow if they have food to eat. Believe me, people would naturally comply if they have basic needs, but the reverse is the case,” he said.
Mr Bisallah Yayuk, a medical practitioner who resides along Bida road said the the government was well guided in its decision.
“No responsible government would want to deliberately inflict hardship on its populace.
“Until the people start seeing the gravity of the damage this virus can cause to them and their loved ones, people would not understand.
“Other better equipped countries have had worse scenarios and we do not pray for such in our country. So, people should be patient and keep praying,” he said.
Mrs Moyo Osanya, a trader and resident of Ungwan Sunday said as a widow, life had been unbearable in the past two months, explaining that, with the additional 30 days quarantine extension, it would take a miracle to survive.
“Thank God for our Church and other spirited persons who came to our aid last week. As a widow and mother of four, I don’t know what would have become of us and others in our shoes.
“A lot of people are suffering in silence hardly able to afford a meal in a day,” she said amidst tears.