The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the ongoing movement of persons from the northern part of the country especially Almajiris to states in the Niger Delta region despite Presidential order banning interstate travels to check the Coronavirus pandemic.
PANDEF, in a statement by its National Chairman, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), said it became worrisome that vehicles laden with young men from the north were being intercepted in various states in the Niger Delta.
According to Idongesit, “There is a presidential order banning interstate travels, and a nation-wide curfew from 8.00pm to 6,00am, as part measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus in the country, which are supposedly still in force.
“PANDEF, therefore, wonders how these persons are able to transit across the country from the northern states in vehicles to the Niger Delta states, without being detected and stopped by security agents.
“This definitely raises doubts on the detachment of security personnel in this disturbing situation.
“Why the mass relocation? What are they coming to do in Niger Delta amidst the Coronavirus pandemic? What is their purpose? What is the agenda? We need answers to these questions from the federal government and its security agencies.
PANDEF is further disturbed because these persons are assumed to be Almajiris from the Northern states; and with some states in that part fast becoming epicentres of the pandemic in the country. Even more worrying is the fact that many of the Almajiris relocated to their states of origin in the North reportedly tested positive to COVID-19”.
Idongesit said the travelers could pose serious security and socioeconomic challenges in the Niger Delta region insisting that the movement should stop to avoid undermining the health and security of the region.
He continued, “PANDEF hopes there are no sinister intents to undermine the health security and safety of the people of the Niger Delta region.
“We are grateful to God that the pandemic has largely been contained in States across the region. This is obviously due to the proactive measures put in place by the Governors, and the cooperation of the people.
“PANDEF, thus, commends the governors of the South-South states on their various efforts to stem the spread of the Virus in the region, and the people of the region for their understanding in observing the measures.
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“Nothing should be allowed to destabilize the present situation in the region. We urge governors of the region to increase security at the boundaries to check entry by unauthorised persons, while we implore the citizens of the region, particularly youths in border communities, to remain vigilant and report illegal entries to their state government.
“PANDEF further appeals to governors of the region to expedite action on the setting up of the region’s security outfit to strengthen the security architecture of the Niger Delta region.
“As we had previously indicated, the forum is ready with a blueprint for the regional security outfit, which we are willing to avail the governors.
“PANDEF also implores security personnel not to compromise the restriction orders of the federal and state governments, put in place to check the spread of corona virus in the country”.
