COVID-19: Trade And Be Prosecuted, Ikpeazu Warns Abia Businessmen

The Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has cautioned traders in the state against open trading in markets or anywhere around the state over fear of coronavirus.

The governor warns that those who flout this order stand the risk of being arrested and prosecuted by the security agencies.

In a release signed and made available to ABN TV by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe Ph.D., the governor insisted that no market in the state has been exonerated in the lockdown order.

“The Ministry of Trade and Investment is worried that traders in various relief and rural markets have continued to trade despite the huge risk of exposure to the deadly coronavirus.

“All those violating government orders by trading in markets are by this announcement warned that law enforcement agents have been detailed to arrest and prosecute defaulters henceforth.

“Markets, irrespective of where they situate or their size have not been exempted from the lockdown. You are advised to obey this simple order for your health and orders” he said.

He also enumerated the affected markets. “To be specific, Orie Ugba Umuahia, Amauzukwu Relief Market, Umuahia, Ossah Market Umuahia, Umungasi Market Aba, AFO Ule Market Abayi Aba, Ama Ogbonna Relief Market, Aba, Achi Aru Market Omuma Road, Aba, Onions Market Uratta, Aba; Tonimas/Work Bank Market, Aba, Ehere Market Ogbor Hill, and such other markets in various towns and villages should shut down immediately to avoid arrest and prosecution”.