Atleast 19 Nigerians have been killed by security operatives during the lockdown to contain the spread of Coronavirus as revealed by Amnesty International.
According to Amnesty International, a task force was set up to ensure compliance since lockdown in Nigeria began in March while some states imposed lockdown in April. Unfortunately, in the course of carrying out their duties, some Nigerians were killed.
Joseph Pessu was shot dead by a soldier in Warri on Thursday, April 2. His death sparked outrage and counter attacks as youths beat up soldiers and soldiers, in turn threatened to deal with members of the community and rape their women.
Also, a policeowoman was shot dead by her male colleague who is a member of the Rivers state taskforce on the COVID-19 lockdown. The incident happened on April 23.
Amnesty International puts the total number of those killed in Nigeria at 19.
A tweet shared by Amnesty International Nigeria reads: “We have been monitoring human rights violation on lockdown in the fight against #COVID?19: —So far 19 Nigerians have been killed by security personnel: #COVID19NIGERIA.”
They added: “On lockdown, in the fight against #COVID?19 Nigerians have been experiencing human rights violations. This is unacceptable and must end:”
