Keyamo Kick Against The Killing of The Delta Young Man Who Violated Coronavirus Lockdown order

A young man who was said to be 28-years was allegedly shot to death by a soldier for violating lockdown at the checkpoint.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has condemned the killing of a 28-year old man, Joseph Pessu, in Delta State for allegedly violating a lockdown order.Following the State Government order to shutdown social and economic activities in the state, effective Wednesday, April 1, 2020, so as to put a stop or slow down the rate at which the Covid-19 is spreading in the nation and the World in general

The young man who called Pessu by name was allegedly shot and killed by a soldier in Warri early on Thursday, April 2 while he was driving along the Ugbuwangue axis of the NPA Expressway.

There was a report by the Nation which revealed that the deceased was flagged down by a team of security operatives but he refused to stop for proper identification. After a chase by officers, he was shot to death.

Keyamo who is Delta in a statement condemned the killing of the young man as well as other reports of high-handedness by security personnel in the enforcement of the lockdown.

He said;

“I unreservedly condemn this barbaric act by men of the armed forces who should exercise restraint when dealing with the civilian populace,” he said.

Keyamo, a human rights activist, said he’ll forward a petition to relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the offending officer(s) to book.

“In the interim, let us not take the laws into our hands, please. I will also use this medium to sincerely appeal to my brothers and sisters in Delta State to be law-abiding and obey the orders of restrictions imposed by both the Delta State Government and the Federal Government.

“They are lawful orders and they are for our own good,” he appealed.

Delta State government has also called for an immediate investigation of the incident and sent a delegation to the deceased’s family.

“Military authorities have also been contacted to carry out an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing,” an official statement read.

Nigeria has recorded a total of 174 coronavirus cases in 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as of April 1, but Delta is not currently affected.

The state’s lockdown order is a precautionary measure, according to the government.