Covid-19 Lockdown Extension: Lagos NAWOJ Calls For Adequate Security Measures

As the COVID-19 induced lockdown continues for another 14 days, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has called on the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police to ensure adequate security measures are put in place to guarantee citizens’ safety.

Comrade Adeola Ekine, Chairperson, Lagos NAWOJ, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday by the Association, stressing that putting adequate security measures in place would stem the spate of recent violence and robbery attacks across the State.

She noted that towards the end of the initial 14 days lockdown, there were reports of robbery attacks in some Communities in Ogun and Lagos States, which the Police Command quelled swiftly and restored law and order.

Ekine, however, called on the authorities to put stringent security measures in place in both States, so that residents’ lives and property are adequately protected from the criminals as the lockdown continues for another 14-day period.

While maintaining that the Police needs to do more by ensuring adequate personnel are deployed in both States, especially to the trouble-prone areas, the NAWOJ Chairperson also condemned the activities of robbers, hoodlums and cult groups who caused panic among residents.

She said “Everyone is affected by the lockdown order and hoodlums should not use it as an avenue to violate public peace and terrorise law-abiding citizens”,

Ekine reiterated that Lagos NAWOJ is concerned that the government’s effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic will be difficult to achieve if the security situation does not improve, adding that the lockdown would only be effective if adequate security is provided combined with sufficient palliatives for Lagosians.