NIGERIAN SECURITY FORCES:
WHEN COVID-19 IS PREFERRABLE
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(http://danchidiugwu.blogspot.com)

For Nigerians, the fear of COVID-19 is the mark of wisdom. People have been forced to learn newer modalities to avert being infected with the deadly pandemic. Some of us who derive joy in socializing have lately found out that such exposure is currently the easiest means of resting in perfect peace. On it's part, the government has also put up some measures to protect Nigerians.

Unfortunately, the lockdown order by the federal and various state governments to flatten the coronavirus curve have come with their own burden. In search of safety, most Nigerians have ran into death and risk in the hands of those deployed to protect them. As at press time, yesterday (April 15), COVID-19 had killed only 11 PERSONS in Nigeria, but no fewer than 21 LIVES have been lost extrajudicially across the country in the hands of security agents. This presents a situation where it would be better to contact the COVID-19 and probably test positive and isolate in peace, than being killed by the police or Army even when you are still negative.

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CHRONICLE

Kaduna state leads in the macabre bloodbath with 12 deaths already. At Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, the Nigerian Police has shot 2 people dead. In Sapele Delta state, 2 others have been shot dead. Abia State also recorded two deaths arising from two incidents while Niger, Ebonyi and Katsina States recorded one death each.

This is in addition to the list of 18 fatalities released by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The commission said in addition to the reported extrajudicial killings, the security agencies have allegedly carried out 33 incidents of torture, 27 incidents of violation of right to freedom of movement, and unlawful arrests, 19 incidents of seizure of properties and 13 incidents of extortion.

Out of the 18 deaths, the Nigeria Correctional Service was responsible for 8 deaths while the Nigeria Police Force was responsible for 7 deaths. The Nigeria Army on the other hand was responsible for 2 deaths while the Ebonyi State Task Force on COVID-19, Afikpo South LGA was responsible for one death.

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What pains one most is the flimsy circumstances that lead to these deaths.
In Anambra state for example, trouble started at Ezego street, Nkpor when some boys returning from football training in a nearby primary school field were accosted  by policemen drinking in a nearby restaurant.The boys resisted attempt to bundle them into their vehicle, leading to exchange of words before the police allegedly opened fire killing one of the youths instantly while the second who sustained gun shots wound died while being  rushed to the hospital. More painful is the fact that the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, Haruna Muhammed excused his men, saying the security agents acted in self-defence. This is how best the dead is made guilty in an offence starring the living.

What does these show? The fatalities speak volumes of the protocol and rules of engagement for Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and their efficiency level to deal with citizens. This is sheer display of impunity and reckless disregard for human life in law enforcement by security personnel. We encourage the NHRC to ensure justice for victims of human rights abuse. Intimidated Nigerians must queue into the NHRC developed mobile application to monitor and document such violations.

We understand most of the policemen are not properly trained. This is indicative in their manner of pidgin English speech, bride inducing questions, wornout outfits and wielding of amunitions, but that should not be to the detriment of harmless civilians. It is not still clear why the Nigerian Army is out of their barracks. The country is not facing aggression leading to its break up. The much challenge we have is Boko Haram, so beholding their irritant attitudes on the streets is not impressive. The government must act quick before Nigerians die before testing positive to COVID-19.