The Rivers State Government on Thursday effected the arrest of 22 traders entering the state from neighbouring Abia State. The Traders who were arrested in three different sets told reporters that they live in Anambra and Abia States, but usually, do business in Rivers State.
The arrested traders claimed that they were not aware that the lockdown was very serious in Rivers State because, in their respective states, traders are allowed to move around.
One of the traders, Mrs Uju Nnamdi noted that she was coming to the state to sell her wares. She said though she is aware of the lockdown of the state, she wasn’t aware that her trading would endanger the state.
The driver of the truck, Mr Chijioke John said he was travelling to Onne from Onitsha, but picked the women at Ihiala in Anambra State.
He said the women pleaded with him to help them and he took pity on them since they were standing on the road. The female traders were conveyed in a container to conceal their movement into the state. The driver said he opened one of the container doors for the traders to get ventilation.
Rivers State Health Commissioner, Professor Chike Princewill disclosed that the accused persons were later tried in a magistrate court assigned for that purpose by the Chief Judge of Rivers State.
The 22 traders will also be screened to ascertain their coronavirus status.
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