From lockdown to curfew

By Lawal Ogienagbon

Left to many Nigerians, they would not have voted for a lockdown of some states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the war against COVID-19.

They would have preferred that life continued as usual, with people moving up and down. Going to work, worshipping in their churches and mosques and attending parties and other social gathering. With COVID-19 came a big challenge which government cannot ignore.

The milling of people aids the spread of Coronavirus.  To avert that, President Muhammadu Buhari on March 29 ordered a lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and FCT for 14 days in the first instance. He extended the lockdown on April 13 for another 14 days.

Read Also: FCT residents hail Buhari’s decision to ease lockdown

The extension ended on Monday and mercifully, the President relaxed the lockdown from May 4. But there will be a dusk-to-dawn (8pm-6am) curfew nationwide until the COVID-19 curve is flattened.

Many wanted the lockdown lifted in the economic interest of the downtrodden who live from hand to mouth daily.

In whatever we do, let us consider the health risk involved because viruses like COVID-19 strike in waves. We have seen the first wave with low casualty figures so far.

Will people be cautious enough to follow the guidelines for avoiding catching and spreading the disease following the lifting of the lockdown to prevent an explosion in casualties? This is where the government must be firm and decisive before people start dying on the streets.