The International human rights body, Amnesty Internationa has called on the Nigerian government to ensure that the Nigerian Army does not abuse the rights of citizens as they enforce lockdown amidst the coronavirus pandemic, OYOGist.com reports.
Recall that a Nigerian soldier reportedly killed a civilian in Delta State as they enforce the lockdown measures instituted by the government to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.
Amnesty International is joining in condemning the abuse of Nigerians and is urging the government to respect the rights of citizens during this time.
“While acknowledging the size of the challenge posed by #COVID-19, we are also concerned by reports and videos circulating on social media showing violations of human rights, that include beatings by law enforcement agencies tasked with ensuring compliance with the lockdown,” Amnesty International posted on its verified Twitter page on Thursday.
“Nigeria must adopt a rights-respecting approach and give clear instructions to security agencies not to abuse their powers as the nation tightens its effort to tame the #COVID19 pandemic, which compelled the authorities to impose lockdown and inter-state movement restrictions,” a follow-up tweet read.
Nigerians have begun posting videos of military officers employing brutal means to enforce the lockdown and stay at home measures put in place by the government.
Also, recall that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Adamu had warned his officers against harassing Nigerians as they enforce the stay at home during the coronavirus.
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