The Kaduna State Government has directed the immediate removal of roadblocks at the various boundaries of the state.
Recall that the governor had closed boundaries, especially Kano borders, to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
“Barricades placed at the entry points are to be removed forthwith, while Kaduna State Government officials will no longer be posted for boundary patrols,” a statement posted on the verified Twitter handle of the state government said.
“The State Taskforce on Covid-19 has reviewed the situation at the state boundaries as the state emerges from partial lockdown. Persistent extortion of vehicles conveying essential goods by some security officials is complicating an already challenging period.
“The ban of interstate travel by the FG as part of Covid-19 containment efforts has largely been observed in the breach by the people charged with enforcing it. The conduct of such officials is also jeopardising the timely and cost-effective delivery of essential goods.
“While insufficient to stop the influx of persons, deployment of senior KDSG officials to entry points was a necessary sacrifice to help reduce the chances of Covid-19 spread through interstate travel, despite lacklustre cooperation by security agencies in enforcing the ban.