By Godwin Akor, Makurdi

Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, today ordered traders at the Wadata  Market in Makurdi to vacate the place to give way for fumigation.

Giving the order during a visit, Ortom said he was surprised that the market was in session in spite of the order that all markets should remain closed as from today, Wednesday.

He said the Makurdi Modern Market off Ankpa road, Makurdi,; the market at the the High level area of Makurdi, the one at Wurukum and the market at the Northbank area of Makurdi, as well as others in the state would be fumigated as a way of sanitizing the environment in those markets.

The governor who also visited other markets in Makurdi, said the order on the closure of markets except those selling food items in shops outside would be enforced with the help of law enforcement agents. 

He commended traders at the Modern Modern Market for complying with the order and ensuring that the environment at the market was clean and chided traders at the Wurukum market for staying put in spite of the order on its closure.

He educated the traders on Coronavirus and warned against the violation of the order on the closure of markets as from today. Wednesday 

At the Northbank, Makurdi market where there was partial compliance, Governor Ortom said COVID 19 had no cure and identified coughing, difficulty in breathing as well as high temperature occasioned by fever as the common symptoms. 

Ortom said Benue was battling with a case of Coronavirus and cautioned the people against taking things for granted.

He advised the people to always use sanitizers and soap and use face masks , warning that the disease does not respeçtage nor social status. 

According to him, personal hygiene at home and outside and the maintenance of clean environment as well as ensuring social distance were some of the things Benue people must do regularly. 

Ortom urged all the citizens of the state to be bearers of the information given to them on COVID 19.