Governor Wike orders deportation of Almajiris, considers total lockdown of Rivers

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state on Monday, April 27, announced the immediate deportation of Almajiris and all other beggars to their states of origin.

According to Wike, deporting the Almajiris had become necessary to protect the people of Rivers state from the threat the beggars’ present in spreading coronavirus.

The governor disclosed this in a state broadcast on COVID-19 and shared on his official social media pages said some parts of Rivers state will be on complete lockdown.
The affected areas in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas include Elekahia, Rumuomasi, Stadium road, and Rumuobiokani.

He explained that the 24 hours complete lockdown starts Tuesday, April 28, and would last till further notice. He said: “We have also directed the Commissioner of Social Welfare to round-up and deport all vagrants, including the almajiris, to their States of origin to protect our people from the threat they present to the transmission of this pandemic.
Consequently, in view of the non or passive compliance with these measures, it has become compelling to also place the following parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/AkporLocal Government Areas on 24 hours complete lockdown, beginning from Tuesday 28 April 2020, till further notice: Elekahia, including the entire stretch of Rumukalagbor-Elekahia link road; Rumuomasi, including Stadium road; and Rumuobiokani.” Wike while giving a situation report on COVID-19 in the state confirmed that six cases of coronavirus were recorded in Rivers and hinted at completely locking down the entire state.

He went on to note that as at Sunday, April 26, two were discharged after making full recovery, two died while the remaining 2 are receiving treatment in an isolation centre.