A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who went round the town reports that there were no signs of total lockdown, as commercial and private vehicles were on the road.

Also, major markets like Ipata, Yoruba Road, Ganmo, Oja Gbooro and Mandate were besieged by residents as against neighborhood markets that the government encouraged to maintain social distancing.

NAN reports that the state government had declared total lockdown in the state with a window period to restock on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The government, however reviewed the process to withdraw the window period and urged residents to patronise neighborhood markets in order to maintain social distancing.

Further monitoring by NAN correspondent revealed that even shops not selling consumable items were also opened for business as usual.

Commercial drivers capitalised on the rush to hike their fares from the usual N50 to   N100.

One of the buyers, Mrs Aisha Bello, told NAN that she was forced to come out as the little things she bought had finished.

”I know it is dangerous as I have come out now, but I don’t have a choice because the little things I bought before have finished and we can’t die of hunger because of the fear of an unseen virus.

”I would have bought what I need at a small market beside my house, but the things there are too expensive,” she said.

Another respondent, Mrs Munirat Idris, said it was unfortunate people cannot stay indoor to save their lives because of the country’s economy.

She said the government’s policy was a good step in the right direction, but the situation of the country does not allow it. (NAN)