The possible presence of some COVID-19 positive cases within the premises of the Emir of Daura’s palace necessitated the government’s decision to seal it up, the state governor, Aminu Masari, has said.
Speaking to newsmen, Masari said, “A Palace, like government house, is a place housing thousands. So, we decided to take control of the palace so that we take samples of everyone that lives in the place.”
“All the 89 samples taken from the state yesterday were taken from there; we wait and see the outcome for the next line of action,” he said.
“We have taken over like military in staging a coup.
“What we did was to provide maximum control to make sure we can identify those who have contacted the virus or tested positive. This is what we are doing,” he further said.
Masari said Katsina was facing double tragedy from the COVID-19 pandemic and the activities of unrepentant bandits who were daily attacking communities, killing and rustling animals.
He said the government was doing everything possible to within the shortest possible time address the menace of the bandits, saying that already a joint military operation with the Nigerian army had begun across the forest from the Jibia axis.
On testing facilities for COVID-19, Masari said the 19 Northern state governments were presently sourcing such facility for each state from South Africa.
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