Police Officers Linked With Spread Of COVID-19 In Nigeria

CHUKS UBAH

A Mobile Police officer attached to MOPOL 22 in Ikeja, Lagos, has been linked to the spread of the deadly Coronavirus after he tested positive and continued to moved across states due to panic for cure.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the officer, who is a police Sergeant, was initially tested in Lagos but moved to Ondo State while awaiting results. However, when he moved back to Lagos and the result was positive, he then ran back to Ondo for treatment and in the process may have been spreading the virus.

During the process the Police officer was moving from Lagos to Ondo, he was said to be in close contact with two other Police Sergeants; one has proceeded to Abuja while another one was still in Lagos and none of them were in self-Isolation.

Thus, there has been fears among the Police officers who had contact with the said officers; fear of being with Coronavirus as the officers may be spreading it unknowingly among the officers and general public.

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who disclosed this on his official twitter handle described the action of the Policemen as reckless.

Mr. Akeredolu said, “The case of this individual, who is a Police officer, is unique. He was tested in Lagos but came to Ondo State while awaiting his results. Upon receiving a positive result, he claimed to have returned back to Lagos”.

“He waited a few days in Lagos to be picked up. When this failed, he panicked and rushed back to Akure for treatment. While we appreciate the confidence reposed in our facilities, We do find it most reckless on the part of the officer of the Law to risk the lives of others.”

“I am most disappointed in the level of porosity of the entry points to the state. The Police officer should know better. I have contacted the Commissioner of Police to double up on securing our entry points.”

However, the latest development may have exposed the hazards of work the Police officers face in the course of their duty since the outbreak of the COVID19. The health workers may have been protected and adequate provision was made for them with increased allowances, that may not be said to be given to Nigeria Police.

The names of the officers were withheld due to the sensitive nature of the matter and in line with the policy of P.M.EXPRESS over such matters for public interest.

It was also gathered that the Police high authorities have taken prompt active measures to track the officers for isolation and to reach out their contacts during the period it was discovered.