The Commissioner for Information, Mr Dan Manjang, gave the warning in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday  in Jos.

He expressed displeasure at the deliberate breach of social distancing order  by some early morning and evening joggers, saying the act was detrimental to the fight against COVID-19.

“The emerging culture, which negates all intents and purposes in the name of jogging where people come out in their hundreds or groups with total disregard to not only social distancing but in defiance of the lock down order, is disheartening.

“Government would like to advise those involved to desist from that habit, failure of which the practice will be treated as an affront to constituted authority,” he said.

According to the commissioner, there are many ways residents  can engage in exercises without flouting government’s order or test its will.

He explained that the state government meant well for  citizens at all times and would not fold its  arms and watch its orders being disregarded.

Manjang described COVID -19 as a threat to mankind and urged residents to support   the government to curb the spread  of the pandemic in the  state.

The commissioner also expressed concern over the flagrant disregard of the curfew imposed  between 8.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m each day.

Manjang said  that the curfew  was still in force and urged resident to comply with the order as a measure to contain  the spread of COVID-19.

The commissioner also warned that the government would not hesitate to punish any resident found  violating the restriction order.

Manjang added that wearing of masks was mandatory in the state and urged security agencies to ensure strict adherence to the directive.

NAN