The Rivers State Government has confirmed that 22 traders were arrested for violating the lockdown order by entering the state from Anambra and neighboring Abia State. The traders claimed they were not aware of the lockdown order in the state.
Meanwhile, the driver of the truck, Mr Chijioke John, stated that he was traveling to Onne from Onitsha but picked up the women at Ihiala in Anambra State. He mentioned that he took pity on them as they were standing on the road.
The Rivers State Health Commissioner, Professor Chike Princewill, mentioned that the arrested traders will undergo coronavirus screening to determine their status.
After the screening, the traders will be tried in accordance with the laws in place to protect the people of Rivers State. The health commissioner expressed his embarrassment over the fact that a transporter would convey human beings in a container just to evade the law.