It was a harrowing experience on Tuesday evening for journalists and other essential workers in Lagos when they were denied movement by armed policemen on the pretext of enforcing the Federal and State Governments’ directive on 8.pm to 6.am curfew, aimed at curbing spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
The situation led to arrest and detention of some journalists following harassment encountered in the hands of hostile policemen at various areas in the state either after the close of work or on their way to resume work in their respective offices.
As early as 7.45 pm, against the 8.pm curfew period when enforcement is expected to commence, those on essential duties such as; health workers and journalists, got stranded in the chaotic long queues as police barricaded major roads preventing most motorists from moving.
Efforts to prevail on the police to allow essential workers passage fell on deaf ears as they were adamant, claiming they were enforcing fresh directive from the state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner of Police, CP, Hakeem Odumosu not to allow passage of even medical staff, let alone journalists, claiming they were not exempted.
The Presidential Taskforce on COVID 19, had announced exemption of essential workers including doctors, other health-workers, Journalists, food suppliers, among other identified sectors for the second phase of the ongoing gradual easing of lockdown.
