For Immediate Release
Abuja-Nigeria
9:00 pm

Tuesday, August 25th, 2020

COVID-19: CSOs observe that many Nigerians have abandoned the use of Facemasks and Physical Distancing as preventive measures; Urges the NCDC and State Governments to introduce Anti-Body testing to reduce Stigmatisation 

1.0
Introduction                                                                      

The
upsurge in the cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Nigeria is alarming
despite measures by the Government to contain its spread across the country.
This is attributed to the nonchalant attitudes of some citizens towards obeying
and complying with the guidelines stipulated by the Presidential Task Force
(PTF) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The relaxed
enforcement of these guidelines by security agencies is one of the factors
responsible for the increasing rates of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria.

As at Tuesday,
August 25th, 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria has risen to 52,548
according to updates from the NCDC. The number of those discharged is 39, 257
and 1004 deaths recorded. This development calls for concerted efforts both by
the Government and citizens alike to play active roles and responsibilities to
stop the spread of the virus. With our population and the current number of
tests carried out, it is obvious that the real number of infection is under
reported in Nigeria.

Our observers
in different parts of the country reported that Nigerians have become tired
with the non-pharmaceutical methods of preventing the spread of the virus
through wearing of facemasks and adhering to physical and social distancing. It
seems also that the stigma associated with the coronavirus, has made it
difficult for citizens to go for testing unless it is by compulsion or they
have become very ill. From the foregoing, it may be necessary for the
government to complement the current testing procedure with anti-body testing
which is progressive in nature and will overcome the stigma associated with
testing positive to corona virus in Nigeria. 

2.0 Methodology

Members of
the Covid-19 Nigeria Security Support Group used a mixed method approach
involving collection of primary and secondary data from reliable official
sources of information and received a total of 13,353 primary data reports
across the 774 LGAs across Nigeria disaggregated as follows:

•           7,646 reports on citizens’
compliance to government directives;

•           4,066 reports on conduct of security
personnel enforcing government directives;

•         1,641 reports on human rights
violations by security personnel enforcing government directives on the COVID-19
pandemic.

These
reports have been forwarded to Government agencies including the National Human
Rights Commission, the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Force
(Complaints Response Unit) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps.

3.0 Citizens’ Compliance with Government
Directives

Reports
and observations across the country indicate a general decline in citizens’
compliance with Government directives on COVID-19. Specifically, there is poor
compliance to the dusk to dawn curfew, use of facemasks, physical distancing
and restrictions on public gatherings. However, the number of those infected is
increasing daily.

3. 1. Compliance with Dusk to Dawn Curfew

Reports
from our observers across the six geo-political zones indicate a varied level
of compliance by citizens to the dusk to dawn curfew imposed by the Federal and
respective state governments. Across the South East states, our observers
reported that compliance to the 10:00 pm to 4:00 am curfew has been effective
in some areas and ineffective in others. In Ebonyi state, due to the farming
season, there is 10% compliance in areas such as Afikpo North, Ikwo, Ebonyi,
Ishielu, Izzi and Abakaliki LGAs. However, in Ohaukwu LGA of the state, it was
reported that citizens especially motorcyclists (popularly called Okada riders)
are forced to comply with the curfew to avoid being robbed by criminals who
mainly target the Okada riders between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am. In Imo state, the
compliance level remains very poor especially outside the state capital, as
most citizens have gradually adjusted to their usual night relaxation outings
and businesses. Reports from Abia state on the other hand, shows that while
people living in rural communities stay indoors during the curfew hours,
citizens living in the cities like Aba and Umuahia do not comply with the
curfew directive.

Our
observers in the South-South region recorded a partial level of compliance to
the curfew directives. In Akwa Ibom state, there is no compliance to the
directive as security agents allow defaulters to pay their way through. In Edo
state, there is virtually no compliance to the curfew. In Cross River state,
the curfew is partially adhered to especially within the Calabar Metropolis.
The case is different in rural communities as citizens were seen still moving about
during the curfew hours. It was gathered that some businesses were still
operating long after the onset of curfew hours. Observations from Delta state
indicated that the curfew directive is only effective in Asaba with low
compliance in some towns across the state such as Warri, Effurun, Ughelli total
disregard for the directive was observed in the rural and riverine areas of the
state.

Generally,
in the North Central, compliance to the dusk to dawn curfew has been partial.
Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue states and the FCT reported low compliance as social
activities like travelling, wake keeping, drinking bars, church services,
motorists, etc were seen operating after curfew hours. However, in Niger state,
the observers reported positive compliance with the curfew directive of 10:00
pm to 4:00 pm set by the state government across the LGAs with the exception of
Minna town. Other LGAs which recorded low compliance include Chanchaga, Edati,
Bosso and Shiroro where event centres and night clubs reportedly opened during
the curfew hours. Kogi state is an exception as these directives are not
applied in the state. This is a worrisome development and may be
counter-productive to the measures adopted by other states to end the Covid-19
pandemic.

Across the
South West, observers reported low level of compliance with the dusk to dawn
curfew in almost all the six states. Reports from our observers within the
period particularly from Lagos, Ondo and Ekiti states showed that night
crawlers were back on the major streets. This is made possible by law
enforcement personnel who were seen compromising their duties by extorting
money from the defaulters. There were reports that citizens were moving around
during the curfew hours while some commuters disregarded the curfew directive
with active connivance of security agents. In Lagos state, it was reported that
the compliance is more visible on major roads within the metropolis. However,
going into the interiors, the reverse is the case. In Ogun state, the state
government lifted the lockdown on Saturdays and Sundays from 14th August 2020.
Before the lockdown was lifted, it was observed that on weekends, some people
move around despite the state government’s directive. Reports from our
observers in Osun and Oyo states, there has been low compliance to the dusk to
dawn curfew and this is made possible by non-enforcement from the security
agents.

Across the
North West, residents in most parts were seen moving about their normal
activities without any order to remain indoors. With the onset of the rainy
season, farmers in some states within the region have become preoccupied with
farming activities. In Kaduna state, there is dusk to dawn curfew which is
still active from 8pm to 5am; however, enforcement and compliance are low. Most
sit out joints across the state are still operational and attract a sizeable
number of customers way after the 8:00 pm mark. In Zango Kataf LGA of the state,
the dusk to dawn curfew imposed were as a result of the killings and insecurity
in Southern Kaduna. This is not connected to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the
North East, there is partial compliance to the curfew directives. Reports
indicate that the poor compliance level is aided by security agents through
extortion of defaulters.

3.2 Non-Compliance with the Use of Facemasks
and Physical Distancing Guidelines.

In the
South East region, compliance to the use of facemasks and physical distancing
has been a huge challenge. This is further heightened by the relaxation of
restrictions on markets across the states. Reports from our observers indicate
that common places of low compliance include markets, ATM queues, N-Power
registration centres, motor parks, restaurants, and bars. In Abia and Imo
states, it was observed that transporters and commuters have reverted to the
initial number of passengers they convey, in total disregard to state
government’s directives on physical distancing. In Ebonyi state, reports from
across these LGAs: Afikpo North, Ikwo, Ebonyi, Onicha and Ezza North indicated
low compliance and non-compliance in areas like Ishielu, Ohaukwu and Ivo LGAs.
However, reports across the five states indicated that physical distancing is
observed in the sitting arrangements in most worship centres.

In South
South, Nigeria, our volunteers in Akwa Ibom state observed a partial compliance
by citizens to the ban on public gathering. However, gatherings such as
seminars, workshops, weddings, burials do not hold in the state. These
occasions supposedly take place if there will be compliance to the approved number
of persons allowed to gather. In Cross River state, our observers reported that
compliance by citizens to the ban on social and public gatherings were not
adhered to. Most gatherings like weddings, burials and other social events were
overcrowded with people without recourse to the pandemic in the state. However,
most churches were seen strictly adhering to this guideline.

In the
North Central region, our observers from Niger state reported that citizens do
not make use of facemasks in public places. A typical observation showed that
on market days at Shiroro, Wushishi and Lapai yam markets, traders and buyers
were seen without any recourse to physical/social distancing or the use of
facemasks. The six Area Councils in the FCT witnessed a low to moderate compliance
in the use of facemasks and physical distancing guidelines. Our observers in
Nasarawa state reported low compliance to the use of facemask and physical
distancing. Citizens were reported to only use facemask when entering banks or
heath facilities. In worship centres visited, some churches in Keffi, Karu and
Obi LGAs have made the use of face mask compulsory for worshippers before
entering church premises. This thus led to a positive compliance rate across
the LGAs. Reports emanating from Plateau state showed disregard for the social
distancing directives by citizens. Commercial vehicles including cars, buses
and tricycles were reportedly overloaded in LGAs such as Jos North and Jos
South despite the COVID-19 implementation strategy imposed by the state
government reducing the number of commuters each vehicle is allowed to carry.

In the
South West, apart from Lagos where a slight improvement was recorded in the use
of facemasks, other states in the region have continued to record decline in
the compliance rates on the use of facemasks and physical distancing
guidelines. Reports across the states indicated that the use of facemask is
visible in some public places such as some banks, hospitals/clinics,
supermarkets/malls etc as against other public places like markets and streets.
In Ekiti state, it was reported that the highest compliance level was observed
in Ado LGA as against the other LGAs where hardly 30% of people complied with
the use of facemasks. Furthermore, to reaffirm the state’s commitment to
ensuring citizens make use of facemasks in public, the Ekiti state government
in a recent announcement, issued directives to commence the arrest of citizens
who fail to use facemasks in public places. The state has arrested and
prosecuted not less than sixty (60) residents in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State
capital for violating the regulation on the compulsory use of facemasks in the
state. This is commendable and should be sustained by the state and emulated by
other states in Nigeria. Sadly, there was a report of the deaths of three (3)
persons at Ire, Oye LGA in connection with non-compliance on social gathering
in the state and the annual Ogun festival. It was reported that despite
directives from the King of Ire not to celebrate the festival, some youths
defiled the instruction and went ahead with the celebration. The Police was
drafted to the town to maintain law and other. At the end, 3 persons were
reportedly killed. There has been claims and counter claims as to the
responsibility for the deaths of the youths between the Police and the
community.  

In the
North West, directives were issued by various state Governments on the use of
facemasks and observance of physical distancing. However, these directives have
been disregarded by most of the residents across the region. Very few persons
were seen wearing facemasks. However, compliance to the use of facemasks and
physical distancing applied when citizens visited banking halls, courts, and
some other government and corporate establishments. Most banks enforced the use
of facemasks to ensure people comply with the COVID-19 protocols. The Kaduna
state government threatened to shut down business establishments that failed to
comply with the government’s directives on COVID-19.

3.3 Ban on Public Gatherings and Citizens
Compliance

Members of
the Covid-19 Nigeria Security Support Group observed a decline in public
compliance level to government directives on the ban on public gathering. About
72% of our observers reported public gatherings of more than 20 persons against
government directives across the 36 states and FCT. Unfortunately, a majority
of Nigerians live their lives as if there is no pandemic which calls for a
serious concern on the part of government and other stakeholders.

Reports
from our observers across the five South East states indicated low compliance.
In Awka South LGA of Anambra state, it was reported that despite the increase
in community transmission, citizens of the state flouted government directives
regarding public gatherings and most times exceeded the official number
stipulated by the Government. In Ukwa West LGA of Abia state, it was reported
that during a recent burial ceremony, the attendees far exceeded the maximum of
fifty persons stipulated by the state government. Few attendees were seen with
their face masks. In Imo state, the reports from different LGAs showed that
communities no longer adhere to the ban on public gatherings as citizens
participated in burials and wedding ceremonies without adherence to the
stipulated guidelines on public gathering.

In South
South Nigeria, our volunteers in Akwa Ibom observed a partial compliance by
citizens to the ban on public gathering. Citizens cannot hold seminars,
workshops, weddings, burials in the state except within the approved limit of
numbers of persons to gather. In Bayelsa and Cross River states, it was
reported that there was practically no adherence to the ban on public gathering
as burials, marriages, birthday parties and large football gatherings were
observed in various LGAs in both states. Some churches however complied with
the guideline on the number of worshippers per time.

In the
FCT, North Central, public gatherings have almost become the new normal in the
Abuja metropolis. Birthday parties, burials, wedding ceremonies and other
social activities have become a constant norm. Observations from Benue state
showed a heightened level of social gathering and events since the lockdown was
eased. In Niger and Nasarawa states, people were reported to cluster at motor-parks,
business premises, wedding celebrations and birthday parties etc especially in
Bosso, Mokwa and Kontagora LGAs of Niger state and Toto, Lafia, Nasarawa and
Akwanga LGAs of Nasarawa state respectively. Reports from LGAs within Plateau
state showed that citizens were seen in clusters in public places including
religious centres. In addition, large crowds were witnessed at burials,
drinking spots, football fields, market and banking premises. Only a few
persons complied with the precautionary directives.

In the
South West, despite the ban on religious activities in some states in the
region, some churches and mosques operated regularly until the ban was
eventually lifted as earlier reported. In Odogbolu LGA of Ogun state, it was
reported by our observer that burials, weddings and parties were still
organized. In Ondo state, it was reported that there was an increase in social
gatherings like burials, birthday parties, night vigils and related activities.
In Ekiti state, bars and hotels have resumed full operation as reported by our
observers. In Gbonyi LGA of the state, our observers reported the presence of
residents at wedding ceremonies in excess of the required number of 20 persons.
These persons did not observe social distancing. In Osun State, the ban on
political, public, and any kind of gatherings under whatever guise remained in
force. Worship centers also adhered strictly to the government’s directives
guiding re-opening after the government lifted the ban on 3rd June 2020.

The states
across the North East recorded gatherings in public places against government
directives. Reports from our observers clearly stated that life has returned to
normal in the states across the North East region. Citizens were seen gathering
for parties, burials and recreational activities.

4.0 Reports on Sexual and Gender-Based
Violence

During the
period under review, there was a spike in sexual and gender-based violence
including rape and defilement of minors across the country. Our observers
documented forty (40) cases across the six geopolitical zones. A breakdown
includes South-South–Rivers state (8), Delta state (1), North Central–Nasarawa
(2), Niger (1), Jos (1), Kogi (1), South-West–Ogun (3), Osun State (3), Ekiti
(6), Ondo (1), South East–Enugu (3), Ebonyi (2), Anambra (1), Abia (1), North
East–Yobe (2), Bauchi (5), Adamawa (1), North West–Kaduna (2) and Jigawa (3). In
Ado LGA of Benue State, there are reports of rape and other sexual molestation
of women and girls in the LGA by Herdsmen. This has severely impacted on their
ability to go to the farms and other places of livelihood or move freely in the
LGA. Some of these cases are currently undergoing investigation and prosecution
by relevant law enforcement agencies while we call on the relevant authorities
in Benue state as well as other states impacted by the menace to urgently
address the rising cases of sexual and gender based violence. The victims and
survivors of these crimes deserve justice. Accused persons found wanting should
be made to face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to other sex
offenders.

5.0 Conduct of Security Personnel on
Enforcement of Government Directives on Covid-19 Pandemic

It was
generally observed that security personnel deployed to enforce public
compliance on government directives on the spread of Covid-19 has remained of
good conduct as reported by 55% of observers across the 774 local government
areas in the country, 12% of our observers reported the conduct of the security
personnel to be poor while 33% noted a fair conduct on the conduct of security
personnel on Covid-19.

The South
East region has recorded varying reports on the conduct of security personnel
across the five states. In Abia state, there were reports of high-handedness
and harassment by security agents including personnel of the Nigerian Armed
Forces, Nigeria Police Force and Abia state Covid-19 Taskforce mostly at
checkpoints within the state. For example, on Monday July 6, 2020, a team of
LGA Covid-19 task force officials assaulted a female roadside trader at Alaoji
motor spare parts market, Asa-Nnentu for not paying the amount demanded from
her. On July 8, 2020 a Police officer attached to Crunchies Fast Food Aba
accidentally shot and killed an Abia state Revenue Taskforce member and a Bread
seller. The incident happened while the officer was trying to settle a faceoff
between a Driver of a Bread distribution vehicle owned by Crunches Fried Food
and Abia state Revenue Agents. The Police Officer has been declared wanted by
the state Police Command. Furthermore, our observer in Aba North LGA reported a
case of torture of a citizen by an Army officer at Umuode in Ossioma LGA which
was reported to personnel of the Nigerian Army in the state.

In the
South South, reports from Rivers stated that officers of the Nigeria Police
Force extorted money from commercial motorists and persons arrested for not
using facemasks at different check points. In Akwa Ibom state, it was reported
that security agents violated the rights of citizens while enforcing the
Covid-19 guidelines. All arrests made were in total disregard for due process,
the rights of the alleged suspects, and the directive by the Inspector General
of Police that citizens should not be detained at the police stations unless on
serious issues bordering on crimes and criminality. More worrisome, is the
condition of awaiting trial inmates currently detained at various Police
Stations as the Correctional Services Centres were yet to receive detainees.

In the
North Central, reports from Niger State indicated that security personnel were
observed along Chanchaga LGA road looking out for offenders with less interest
in enforcing Covid-19 related instructions. In the FCT, however it was observed
that the ratio of enforcement officers to citizens is disproportionate in
achieving the desired results. In Nasarawa, Police Officers were seen roaming
the streets during curfew to ensure citizens obey Federal Government
directives. In Makurdi LGA of Benue state, members of the Nigeria Police Force
were seen extorting monies from vehicles and okada riders at the Modern Market
Junction. While in Mbaduku community in Vandeikya LGA of Benue state, security
officials were seen educating citizens on the use of facemasks. This is
commendable and should be encouraged. An observer noted that in Abaji Area
Council in the FCT security personnel were collecting money from commercial
drivers without checking their compliance to recommended sitting arrangements
and the use of facemasks by commuters.

5.1 Human Rights Violations

In Imo
state, it was reported that Police officers arrested and collected money from
defaulters for not using facemasks within Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu in lieu of
prosecution by Mobile Courts in the state. However, the Police Officers
involved were not wearing facemasks while enforcing the directives. In
addition, our observers reported that on Thursday July 9, 2020, in Ohaji/Egbema
LGA that some personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces meted out corporal
punishment (sitting on the bare floor and frog jumping) on some young men for
not putting on facemasks. Reports from Anambra state indicated that security
agents at Ocha brigade collect money from citizens who refuse to wear
facemasks. The amounts range from N1000 to N2000 and in some instances,
offenders are flogged in addition to the money collected from them.

In the
North West, there were reports that a police officer in Katsina state,
currently deployed at GRA police station division, tortured a 20-year suspect
called Isma’il Dabai to death. The officer is currently undergoing
investigation. Furthermore, unknown gunmen in Jigawa state recently shot dead a
popular businessman, Magaji Muktar, and a vigilante member, Ibrahim Sule,
during an attack on Garki LGA. In addition, a businessman, Yusuf Maifata, was
kidnapped on his sickbed in the Ringim Local Government Area of the state. He
reportedly died in captivity despite an alleged N5 million ransom payment.
Furthermore, there were reported cases of attacks in Southern Kaduna which
resulted in the deaths of citizens from that state. We call on the federal and
state governments to investigate these killings and ensure those culpable are
held accountable. A case was also reported in the state involving a teenage
boy, Jibril Aliyu who was chained for two years by his father and foster mothers,
in the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The boy was chained along
with livestock and left to starve for the two years; feeding on animal fodder
and sometimes on faeces as means of survival. The teenager’s father and the
three foster mothers have been arrested and are currently under police custody
for necessary investigation before prosecution.

In Zamfara
state, there are reports from Bakura LGA area of the state where bandits have
attacked the house of a former commissioner for local government and
chieftaincy affairs, Alh Bello Dan Kande Ganji in his residence in Ganji ward
of Bakura LGA. One person is said to have been killed with four persons
kidnapped including his security personnel who is a Civil Defence officer.
Sources revealed that the abducted persons were released at the cost of
#4.5million naira. In Nahuche ward of Bungudu LGA of the state, bandits
attacked many shops in the town, looted the traders’ properties and killed one
person during the incident.

In the
North East, a United Nation helicopter was hit by bullets in an attack by ISWAP
in Damasak, Borno State on Saturday 4th July 2020. The helicopter was shot at
and damaged as it approached Damasak and the pilot managed to fly back to
Maiduguri. The UN suspended rotational flights for one week and engaged with
government partners for new risk assessment. The attack on the community
resulted in the death of two civilians including a five-year-old child. In
addition, on Wednesday July 29, suspected Boko Haram members attacked the
convoy of Professor Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State near the town
of Baga. After the incident, the Governor argued that soldiers and not Boko
Haram attacked his convoy. He further stated that the war against insurgency
has been sabotaged by criminal elements in the armed forces benefiting from the
insecurity in the region. The Nigerian Armed Forces is currently investigating
the incident and we hope the report will be made public once the process is
completed.

6.0 Gaps Identified by Observers

1.
Stigmatisation of Covid-19 patients is making it difficult for people to go for
testing and for positive patients refusing to go into isolation. Several
citizens only go to the hospital or agree to be tested when they become very
sick. 

2. There
is general apathy and lack of personal responsibility by several citizens to
the health dangers posed by Covid-19 pandemic. This is contravention of
government guidelines leading to rising infection cases.

3. There
is lack of trust by some citizens regarding the accuracy of the NCDC daily
reports of Covid-19 and realities on ground in different local governments and
communities. Either the numbers are underreported or the testing capacity of
the labs in the country is grossly inadequate to cater for the number of cases
in Nigeria.

4. We have
noted poor adherence to social/physical distancing in the markets, burial
ceremonies and public transports. Most citizens use facemasks only when
compelled or when there is no option and there is risk of sanction by security
agents.

5. Though
extra-judicial killings by security agents have reduced, there has been a spike
in human rights violations and mass killings in different parts of the country
by non-state actors as a result of the activities of bandits, insurgents and
conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.

6. There
is an increase in cases of extortion by security personnel regarding citizens’
non-compliance with the use of facemasks. However, some of the security
operatives enforcing the guidelines do not wear facemasks.

7. There
is weak implementation of mechanisms across North Central states by the various
state governments to slow the spread of the virus through public mobilisation
constant mass communication on the dangers of the virus.

8. There
is sustained increase in sexual and gender based violence across the country.
However, security agents have not done enough to fight sexual and gender based
violence in Nigeria. For example, nearly all the Police formations visited in
Ogun state by our observers have failed to enter the details of sex offenders
on the register given to them by the Ogun State government. This may not be
unconnected with the practice of settling sexual and gender based crimes at
their Police station and treating the cases as domestic issues despite the
heinous crime involved.

7.0 Recommendations

1. The
Federal and state governments should complement the current testing process
with massive anti-body testing to enable Nigerians know the extent of exposure
of citizens to the coronavirus pandemic. Anti-body testing is progressive and
not subject to undue stigmatisation currently hampering tracing, testing and
isolation of infected persons.

2. State
governments should continue to educate citizens with adequate information and
sensitization programmes about the dangers of not complying with social/physical
distancing rules.

3. There
is need for the Federal and State Governments and key stakeholders to intensify
efforts at sensitizing rural communities about the Covid-19 pandemic as many
still believe it is an elitist disease that infects only the high-class of the
society.

4. The
Federal and State Governments should ensure massive community sensitization and
awareness in light of the increase in Covid-19 community transmission and
infections rates at the community level as Federal and State Government continue
to ease the restrictions orders.

5.
Security officers should focus on enforcement of the Covid-19 prevention
guidelines rather than using the enforcement as legalized means of public
extortion.

6. The
National Human Rights Commission should make public the status of human rights
abuses documented during Covid-19 pandemic on a regular basis.

7.
Government agencies responsible for the investigation and prosecution of human
rights abuses should ensure respect for the rights of accused persons and
justice for victims of such abuses. 

8. Law
enforcement agents should be properly trained on the need to be civil in the
performance of their duties and respect the human dignity of Nigerians so as to
encourage citizens to comply effortlessly with government directives. There is
need to re-train security personnel on their responsibility to enforce the
directives on Covid-19 guidelines.

9.
Government should consider improved welfare for the security personnel and
taskforce teams deployed on Covid-19 assignments. In addition, health officials
in the line of duty should be provided with adequate personal protective
equipment and monetary compensation.

10.
Security personnel found guilty of extorting citizens and violating human
rights should be disciplined appropriately to serve as a deterrent to other
erring officers.

11. As
schools reopen for exit class examinations, adequate facilities should be put
in place by various state governments, especially water and soap to prevent the
outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic across schools in Nigeria.

May God
bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and heal our land

Signed by:

1. Benson Olugbuo PhD
   Executive Director,
   CLEEN Foundation

• Saviour
  Akpan Esq.

Executive Director COMPPART Foundation
for Justice and Peacebuilding

Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Abubakar
  Jibril

Department of Sociology, Usmanu
Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Kebbi State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Akumazi,
  Kevin Udoka,

Global Peace Development,

Rivers State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Eunice
  Abimbola Agbogun

Executive Director. Challenged
Parenthood Initiative, Lokoja

Kogi State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Muhammad
  Yolde GIDADO,

Chairman, Centre for Health &
Development in Africa (CHEDA), Yola

Adamawa State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Tijani
  Abdulkareem,

Director, Socio Economic Research
& Development Centre

Niger State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Gupar
  Maurice Dazuhur

Community
Action for Popular Participation

Plateau State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Mandu Obot

Global
Peace Development

Cross River State Coordinator,
COVID-19 Nigeria Security Support Group

1. Abdullahi
   Lawali

Executive
Director, Health Standard Concern Organization

Zamfara State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

1. Muddassir
   Ahmad Gado,

Department
of Sociology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Sokoto State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

1. Jude Ndoh
   Esq

Police
Community Relations Committee (PCRC)

Lagos State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

1. Enoch,
   Nyayiti Raymond

Executive
Director, Center for Environmental Education and Development (CEED), Jalingo

Taraba State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

1. Kehinde
   Adegbite Esq

Legal Practitioner

Oyo State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

1. Idris
   Mohammed

Founder/Executive Director Sulhu Development Initiative

Katsina State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

1. Muazu
   Alhaji Modu

Spotlight
for Transparency and Accountability Initiative

Yobe State Coordinator, COVID-19 Nigeria
Security Support Group

1. Nkiruka Harrison

Coordinator,
COVID-19 Nigeria Security Support Group, Federal Capital Territory

1. Orugbo, Ovuodo Endurance

Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice

Delta State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

1. Sarah Alalade Esq.

Human Rights Monitor, Kaduna

Kaduna State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Olumide Fidelis Igbodipe

Ogun State
Coordinator, COVID-19 Nigeria Security Support Group

• Emmanuel U. Obasi,

Production/ Facility Manager, Bio Resources Institute of Nigeria

Imo State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Authority Benson

Center for Peace and Environmental Justice

Bayelsa State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Zainab Abdulmumini Abubakar

Gombe State Coordinator, MD Crystal Justice Initiative for legal
Advancement COVID-19 Nigeria Security Support Group

• Muhammad Maishahada

Programme Manager, PADAC Foundation

Jigawa State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Rita Ilevbare Esq

Chief Executive Director, Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion

Ekiti State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Ambassador Onoja

President, Next Generation Youth Initiative International
(NeGYII),

Benue State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Annie Umoru

Deputy Coordinator General, Edo Civil Society Organization

Edo State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Bukola Idowu Kimpact: Bukola Idowu

Executive Director, Kimpact Development Initiative

Osun State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Sam
  Ekwuribe

Pathtogrowth
Centre,

Abia State
Coordinator. COVID-19 Nigeria Security Support Group

• Emmanuel Acha

Executive Director, Youth Forum for Social Change (YOFSOC)

Enugu State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Mohammed Bello

Founder/Chief Executive Officer,

African Centre for Innovative Research
and Development (AFRI-CIRD)

Kano State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Pastor Gabriel Odom,

Executive Director, Agape Foundation for Literacy and Rural
Development,

Ebonyi State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Alo Martins

Executive Director, Upline Centre for Development,

Ondo State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Fatima Ekundayo

Coordinator
Nasarawa State, COVID-19 Nigeria Security Support Group

• Prince
  AJISEFINNI Ayodeji

Kwara
state coordinator, COVID-19 Nigeria Security Support Group

• Ehiahuruike Ugochi

Executive
Director, Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC)

Anambra State Coordinator, COVID-19
Nigeria Security Support Group

• Samson Boyi
  Gagaya

Borno
State Coordinator, COVID-19 Security Support Group

• Mbami Iliya
  Sabka

Bauchi
State Coordinator, COVID-19 Security Support Group