Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged Nigerians to pray for Nigeria and the entire world for a speedy end to Coronavirus pandemic.
Ortom in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, admonished all Christians and Muslims to pray and seek the intervention of Almighty God in the fight against COVID-19.
According to Ortom “the death and resurrection of Jesus should draw his followers closer to God so they can appreciate the abundant grace and mercy of God upon their lives. He urges the people to eschew bitterness and differences, unite and show love to one another at this trying moment in human history.
He urged families to mark this year’s Easter celebration indoors, to avoid coming in close contact with others, in line with the directive on social distancing, stressing the need for people to adhere to hand washing, use of sanitizers and other preventive measures against COVID-19.
“Owing to increasing cases of the virus in the country, it is in the best interest of all Benue people that the closure of public places such as markets and worship centres as well as the 7pm to 6am curfew continues, with the assurance that government’s assessment of the situation will determine the next line of action.
Governor Ortom also appealed that though the measures taken to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the state are painful, the approach is necessary as a sacrifice that must be made by all Benue people.
He noted that even as no fresh case of the disease has been found in Benue, it is important that the people continue to support the Action Committee on COVID-19 to ensure that the state remains safe.
Meanwhile, the Governor condemned in strong terms, the attack on Jootar in Ukum Local Government Area by suspected militia which led to loss of lives and gave the assurance that security has been beefed up in the area to curb further conflicts.
He said security operatives have been directed to apprehend those fomenting trouble at Tyo-Mu in Makurdi Local Government Area.
