A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Emmanuel Ogidi, has raised alarm over the influx of suspected herdsmen into the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, despite the COVID-19 interstate lockdown.
Ogidi, PDP National Vice Chairman in the zone urged governors in the region not to lose sight of security threats posed by the influx as they combat COVID-19.
In an interview with newsmen on Wednesday, Ogidi said that in spite of the ban on interstate travel, suspected herdsmen were moving in hundreds into the oil rich region.
The chieftain called for strict internal vigilance, saying the border security aimed at restricting mass movement of people had failed.
According to him, there are too many entry points between states and security agents are unable to guard all points.
“While we are fighting Coronavirus, these people are moving in, and by the time you have finished with the virus, you would have been overtaken.
“It is a strategy; if not, where will all these people moving down find accommodation to stay during this pandemic?
“You see that they have conquered the South, do you still hear of Amotekun security outfit? They have been silenced as a result of the pandemic diversion of attention.
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“You cannot fight Coronavirus without enhancing security, the two have to go together, that is my advice to the governors because people are moving into the states,” he said.
Ogidi added that though the RUGA Colony policy had failed, herdsmen were moving into states and setting up themselves without ranches.
He called for synergy among governors to ensure security of lives and property as no one could do it alone.
The politician also frowned at the withdrawal of police officers attached to the Rivers State Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic.
He said that the withdrawal of the security officers could lead to total breakdown of law and order in the state.
According to him, “when that happens, what you will hear next is a declaration of State of Emergency in the state.”
He said that the withdrawal will jeopardise the fight against COVID-19 in the state and called for immediate return of the officers to their duty posts.
