By Akanimo Kufre (The New Diplomat’s A/Ibom|C/River Correspondent)
A corpse suspected to have been infected with COVID-19 virus has been intercepted in Akwa Ibom by security agents on duty to enforce total lockdown in the state.
According to the Akwa Ibom state Health Commissioner, Dr Dominic Ukpong, the said corpse was transported in an ambulance from Lagos State on the night of Wednesday, May 6, 2020, and arrived Akwa Ibom State border during the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2020.
Dr. Ukpong disclosed this at a meeting of the State Incidence Management Committee held at the Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo on Saturday.
“But for the alertness of the police officers posted to our borders, the corpse would have successfully made it to its destination in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
“We really appreciate the point of entry team as well as the burial committee that ensured the deceased was committed to mother earth on the same day in Ikot Ebidang Village, Mkpat Enin Local government area”, Ukpong said.
Speaking with The New Diplomat on the development, the Police Public Relation Officer in the state, SP Frederick Nudam said: “Our men are at various points enforcing the lockdown, curfew and they are very dogged to ensure that the curfew is obeyed by the people.
“Policing of the state whether boundary or anywhere is responsibility of the Police. In fact we have fortified the restriction of movement at the border with more Policemen.
“That has been very effective with our men that could be why the incident you’re talking about was intercepted.” He said.
