Abia Plans To Stall Mass Movement Of Almajiris Into State

Abia State government has beefed up security across state borders after intelligence reports indicate planned movement of a group of Almajiris into the state in the next 24 hours.

Kano, Benue and some other states had repatriated Almajiris back to their various states to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

In a statement signed by John Okiyi Kalu, Abia State Commissioner for Information, the state revealed that the movement of the Almajiris was scheduled for Monday night.

“Abia State Government has received intelligence report on the planned movement of a group of almajiris from another state into our state within the next 24 hours.
Reports available to us indicate that they are leaving their state this night to arrive Abia State tomorrow,” the government said.

Following the report, the state gobernor, Okezie Ikpwazu, directed security agencies across the state to be vigilant, while beefing up security in the state borders.

“Okezie Ikpeazu, has therefore directed all security agencies in the state, especially those posted to inter-state boundary communities, members of the state and LGAs enforcement task force teams as well as the inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19, to ensure that within this period of the subsisting border closure necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, no individual or group is allowed to enter the state, aside from those duly exempted, from any other part of the country.

“The Governor also directs men and officers of the State Homeland Security Ministry to deploy immediately to relevant inter-state boundary communities to ensure there is no unauthorized entry,” the statement added.

The goveenor futher threatened to sanction ” traditional rulers and TC Chairmen of inter-state boundary communities if their borders are porous to allow the entry of the Almajiris.

The statement added that, “All necessary lawful measures must be taken to stop the entry of not only the almajiris but also other unlawful migrants into the state till the FG-backed inter-state border closure regulation put in place to control spread of COVID-19 from one state to another is lifted.”