President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that some cases of security breach and human rights abuse have been recorded in the four weeks of COVID-19 lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states.
Daily Trust reports that according to a report by the National Human Rights Commission, at least 18 people have been killed by Nigerian security agents in their enforcement of measures to curb coronavirus.
The figure was given as of the time the coronavirus’ fatality rate in the country was at 12, according to the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control.
In his address to the nation on Monday, President Buhari assured Nigerians that their safety and security remain the government’s “primary concern especially in these difficult and uncertain times”.
He said the security agencies have continued to rise to the challenge posed by the pandemic while admitting that the government was “concerned about isolated security incidents”.
“As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuse by our security agencies.
“The few reported incidences are regrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice,” he added.
The president, however, encouraged the citizens to “continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents.”
“Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed that the personnel of all the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment against infection,” he added.
