6 Nigeriens, 31 other stowaways arrested in Kadjebi for breaching lockdown

Some 37 commuters traveling from cities to communities at the countryside, have been arrested at Kadjebi District in the Oti Region. This follows a lockdown announced by President Akufo-Addo in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

A joint Immigration and Police taskforce made the interception as 31 Ghanaian commuters aboard a cargo truck were hidden among goods in the vehicle on their way from Accra on Friday.

“Since the lockdown took effect, I have lost all my sources of income. I am struggling to make ends meet now that’s why I decided to return home from Accra,” Monica, one of the returnees said.

On April 16, the joint security operation prevented six Nigeriens from using one of the border outposts in the Kadjebi District into Togo. They said they were returning from Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region where their mainstay – polishing finger and toes nails – is no longer encouraging.

“I haven’t been able to get money for food in two weeks. My father is the one who sends me money from Niger before I am able to feed myself,” one of them said while explaining the purpose for his attempted return to Niger.

Police Commander for the Kadjebi District, Michael Asiedu told said prosecution would have been the way to go but he is also in consultation with the District Chief Executive, to determine the way forward.

“That was what we intended to do. After informing DCE, a new thing came up… Right now we have to consult the DCE and agree on what to do,” he said. “But with regard to the cargo truck, he explained that, “given the opportunity the driver must be prosecuted.” The commuters had their temperatures taken by the Covid-19 team.

The Ghanaians have since been escorted to Nkwanta where they will be handed over to authorities until they reach their respective destinations where local authorities would take over. The Nigeriens, however, are still being kept for further observations.