Total lockdown not top option in Oyo – Makinde

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his administration is not considering a total lockdown of the state over COVID-19.
He said other alternatives must equally be explored.
The governor was reacting to rising calls by stakeholders for a total lockdown in Oyo State as part of measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 in an interview in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Explaining that total lockdown might plunge a section of the public into crisis of survival, the governor said the option was at the bottom of the list by his administration.
The governor, who stressed the need for a logical approach to the issue, said, “Everything that can be done to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Oyo State is on the table. We will continue to assess the situation and take additional measures where necessary.
“Lagos can be on lockdown, Ogun can be on lockdown; Oyo State, yes, people have been saying should have a total lockdown and then I have been asking them questions. What will be the benefits here? Are there alternative courses of action for us to take?
“If you ask people not to come out, you lock down the market places, there are people whom the profit from today’s activities is what they will eat tomorrow. There are plenty of people like that within our environment. So, are there alternatives available to us? Can we do selective lockdowns?
“I think, everything is on the table but it has to follow a logical pattern and it will need the input of experts. We are not just going to lockdown because everyone is locking down.”