COVID-19: PTF frowns at breach of inter-state travel ban, security agents’ connivance

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the PTF on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, who raised the concern on Thursday during the daily press briefing by the task force in Abuja, also condemned the general non-compliance to the guidelines issued for the first phase of the eased restriction by citizens.

The SGF also disclosed that the 256 Nigerians who were evacuated from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrived Nigeria on Wednesday had all proceeded on 14-day quarantine, as required for all those entering the country from any part of the world under the current circumstance.

He also clarified that the four weeks of ban extension on air travels in the country, which took effect from Thursday evening, would however come with an exemption for flights considered to be of essential nature.

Speaking on reported violation of movements, especially inter-states, Almajiri exchanges and night curfew, as well as cases of security agents compromising their duty to ensure compliance, Mustapha charged leaders of the security agencies to swiftly move in to save the situation and prevent a few unscrupulous officials from smearing the images of the agencies.

“Reports from various parts of the country at the close of day yesterday 6th May, 2020 indicate the following:

(i) High level of non-compliance with the ban on inter-state travels . This resulted in a high number of vehicles finding their way across many state borders despite the curfew/ border restrictions;

(ii) Lack of respect for timing and the curfew also resulted in heavy traffic gridlock where many motorists spent the night following the enforcement of the curfew;

“Increasing level of abuse of exemption granted to vehicles conveying specified goods. Reports across the country show that they continue to hide passengers with the intention of ferrying them across state boundaries; and

(iv) Continual transportation of Almajiris across state borders is still evident;

“I have highlighted the foregoing as it relates to the road transportation sector to underscore the dangers inherent in the seeding of the virus across states. I however commend the security agencies for their vigilance in apprehending and prosecuting violators.

“It is, worrisome, however, to note reports received about isolated cases of compromise by some security operatives. We urge the various commands of the security agencies to enhance their monitoring machinery to ensure that we do not only achieve the objective of stopping the spread of the virus but also prevent the good name of the services from being tarnished. We also implore all Nigerians to alert the security agencies whenever they witness the violation of these guidelines,” he said.

Speaking on the quarantining of the UAE evacuees, he said “the first batch of 256 Nigerian evacuees arrived from the United Arab Emirates into Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos yesterday. In accordance with our protocol, all evacuees have been taken into 14-day isolation at designated facilities in Lagos State.

“The NCDC will conduct appropriate tests to determine their status within the period of isolation. The PTF is finalizing arrangements for similar evacuation from other parts of the world and you would be adequately briefed on developments,” he said.

On the extension of ban on air travels, he said “the extension of the ban on all flights for additional four weeks takes effect from tonight as reported to you yesterday. We shall, however, continue to give exemptions for flights in circumstances that are considered essential.”