The Ekiti State Government has deployed security operatives to Ado Ekiti Metropolis to ensure compliance with its order directing the closure of markets and shops as part of measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

The security operatives comprising soldiers, police and operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, were deployed around 5.20 p.m last Thursday after the ultimatum given by the government elapsed.

Governor Kayode Fayemi had two days ago issued a directive that all shops and major markets like the popular Oja Oba, Irona Market, Basiri market and others be closed down with effect from 5 pm that day.

The governor, however, exempted sellers of drugs, food items and other essential commodities from the order.

To enforce the order, security agencies have taken over areas like Atikankan, Irona, Okeyinmi, Ijigbo and the Oja Oba market, which made the traders scamper for safety. The action was more terrific at Atikankan where many Hausa sellers were plying their trades.

When called for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Mr. Sunday Abutu, said the security agencies must support the government to ensure that every action was taken to guarantee that safety of all citizens.

“Since the issue of Coronavirus started, the police as an institution has been working with other stakeholders to make sure that the lives of the citizens are protected and that we will continue to do,” he said.

Concerning the upsurge of robbery in some parts of Ado Ekiti, especially at Emirin Estate and Tenibegiloju along Polytechnic road, Abutu said the police had mapped out strategies to tame the attendant crimes that could accompany the stay at home order.

“We know that the stay at home order will lead to increased crimes and we have stepped up our night patrol across all divisions. We are also putting in place other security measures to ensure that the lives and property of our people are safe with the situation caused by Coronavirus.

“We are appealing to our people to shun vices and cooperate with police through useful information because all our divisions have been mandated to work hard this time to make Ekiti a no go area for criminals,” he said.