Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Thursday effected the arrest of 14 Persons hidden in two trailers conveying cattle from Adamawa State to Port Harcourt.
Governor Wike ordered the prosecution of the 14 persons by the Mobile Court constituted by the administration under the Executive Order 6 signed for the declaration of the lockdown.
According to the governor, the trailers were intercepted following intelligence from well meaning Nigerians who some of them were making their way into Port Harcourt. They were arrested at Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He also directed the State Ministry of Health to conduct tests on the 14 persons to ascertain their coronavirus status.
Governor Wike decried the level of desperation to smuggle people into Rivers State, adding that the State Government will remain vigilant, despite the challenges it is facing.
He also said that this fight has nothing to do with individuals, that the law must take its course.
Wike added that people are very aware of what is happening yet some illegally smuggle persons into the state and said that the law must be obeyed,the trailers and Cows be auctioned.
Rivers State governor revealed that the security agencies have failed the people of Rivers State as they collect money and allow defaulters to slip through the border.
“You heard them saying that they gave money to the security agencies before they were allowed to cross the border.
The owner of the cattle in the phone interview said they have fallen short of the law,” he said.
One of the defaulters, Ahmed Aliyu said that they were contracted from Adamawa State to bring cattle to one Alhaji at the new slaughter in Oyigbo.
Aliyu said that he thought that the lockdown will start by 10pm
He further informed that they moved into the state after they bribed security personnel with N1500.
