COVID-19: IGP ADAMU READS RIOT ACT TO TRANSPORTERS VIOLATING ORDER BAN ON NIGHT MOVEMENT DURING LOCKDOWN

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu,  has warned of tough consequences for members of the organized transport sector who continue to breach the existing restriction order by resorting to night travels.

The Police Chief says this development undermines the efforts of the Federal Government at curbing the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

A statement by Police spokesman, Frank Mba on Wednesday, said the warning became necessary following intelligence at the disposal of the police showing that road transport workers, especially interstate operators, have continued to defy the lockdown order and cessation of movements as emplaced by the Federal Government as they continue to embark on night journeys.

The statement said the IGP has therefore directed Commissioners of Police in the states to ensure full implementation of the restriction order, especially as it relates to night travel without being unmindful of categories of exempted persons and the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

The IGP, while restating that the lockdown is for 24 hours daily and that night hours are not excluded, called on the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association amongst others, to warn their members to strictly adhere to the restriction order warning that violators would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The statement noted that the IGP is appreciative of the understanding and cooperation of Nigerians in this trying period and assures that the Police will continue to do its best to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. It urged Nigerians to take advantage of emergency numbers of the Police on its website, https://www.npf.gov.ng/information/emergency_number.php in reaching out to relevant police authority at the various command levels.