We are hungry, no longer safe in our homes, Nigerians tell, Sanwo-Olu

LAGOS, Nigeria – President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday extended the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja for another 14 days, keeping Nigerians who mainly depend on daily income at home without any means of survival.

The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have promised to provide palliatives. But 15 days on, majority of Nigerians are yet to see any drop of grain, even among the indigent population which the Lagos State Government said has been the target.

All we see is pictures and videos of distribution but Nigerians are alarmed and they have spoken out, telling government that people cannot sit at home on empty stomach.

They want government both the state and the federal to wire money directly into thier bank accounts without middle men, the way it has been done in Canada, United Kingdom and the United States, which Nigerian government often cite as reference when there are issues to address.

They responded after the president’s broadcast and statement issued by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu who alluded to H.E President Muhammad Buhari announcing a 2 weeks extension of the lockdown to tackle COVID-19 pandemic which has killed 10 people in Nigeria, with confirmed cases put at 343.

“This was a tough decision, but like we have seen in countries that couldn’t stop the spread of COVID-19, the effects have been catastrophic. My biggest focus now is security and welfare.

“On security, there have been reports of pockets of insecurity across different areas, and intelligence has shown a combination of exploitation by criminal elements. The Police have been responsive, but in the last 24 hours we have worked to increase surveillance and response time.

Read Also, LAGOS, OGUN UNDER SIEGE OF ROBBERS

“On welfare, the second half of the first phase of our reformed #LagosFoodRelief distribution which is targeted at the vulnerable is on course. The Federal Government’s conditional cash transfer has also begun to help reduce the burden, and we are working on doing more.

“We are encouraged by the success rate of our isolation and treatment initiatives for the the novel coronavirus.
Working with the NCDC and Lagos State Ministry of Health, testing capacity for COVID-19 has increased and we will continue to do all we can to stop the spread of the virus.

“As a state, we understand that this lockdown will stretch us because of some structural problems we are contending with, however I want to thank Lagosians for rising up with empathy and strength. We have to do more and the government will do more, let’s beat COVID-19 together”, he said.

But in reply to President Buhari and Sanwo-Olu, a Nigerian who identified himself as Neekbill, said “Weldone sir for all your efforts, but you people should stop deceiving us that the federal government has started, for how long and nobody is yet to testify that he or she has received anything”.

For Bimzeeluv, “those people that gave NCDC our numbers and the way they send us msgs they should also gave our bank money to Tf to us abeg. Please sir do something”, he said. Tomilola Oladele said, “Did I hear federal govt’s conditional cash transfer ? Pls to who sir ? Or am I dreaming”, he said.

Tsignature apparel decided to speak on security. “On security the police have not been responsive at least to the People at Meiran, command, Baruwa and it’s axis. This should be addressed and strict measures applied. People no longer feel safe in their homes . Day and night robbery is now the order of the day. We need your help”, he said.

Blessie Rise puts it succintly, “There is hunger and Insecurity o”. Ajibola Official said, “H E, people are dying in hunger”, while Mobola Beauty, said “thank you sir but cash transfer will be advisable”, she said.

Another person, with identity as nigerians-Why said “In as much as we appreciate the Governor providing updates on the fight against Covid19, I expect that he will also speak on the insecurity in his state. Things are getting more dangerous everyday with no security relief or help in sight”, he said.

Olamilekan Balogun said, “Pls send money 2 our account now”.