Ondo State has closed its borders neighbouring Ekiti, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Ogun states over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The closure takes effective from 6.00pm on Thursday, April 2.
According to the state government, the directive which was given on April 1 follows the rise in the number of persons infected by the virus.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo, the decision was taken after observing the possibility of the disease spreading into the state.
The closure of the border means no vehicles will be allowed into the state from any of the neighbouring states.
Ojogo said;
Ondo State has ordered the closure of its borders with the neighbouring states of Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Edo and Elefon, our coastal border with Ogun, which in the recent past, has witnessed heavy human traffic from Lagos and Ogun.
He explained that a monitoring team, including security operatives has been set up and mobilized to ensure that the directive is followed to the letter.
The Commissioner further stated that security operatives, as well as monitoring teams, had been put on alert to enforce the order as part of measures already taken to stem Coronavirus incursion into Ondo State.
Ojogo also declared a three-day period of fasting and prayers, saying that;
To his glory, Ondo State has remained one of the states in the country without a single confirmed case of COVID-19. As a way of thanking God and seeking His face for this immeasurable grace and continuous favour, government hereby declares a three-day period of fasting and prayers from Thursday to Saturday for Ondo State and the country at large.
He urged Ondo State residents to use the fasting and prayer period to stand firm in prayers for the state and the country during the pandemic.
