Following the restriction of movement to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the country, producers and distributors of foods across different value chains yesterday alleged undue harassment by security personnel especially in southern parts of Nigeria.
This action, according to them is frustrating food distribution chains, which in turn may affect its cost at time it will get to the consumers.
It would be recalled that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, called on members of the public to immediately report any security agent taking bribes from unauthorized persons to allow them move freely during the lockdown.
One of the distributors, Abdulhameed Haruna, who spoke to the Nation alleged that some men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ibilo, Edo State arrested him on Tuesday night while he was going to deliver a truck of rice in the South-west.
Haruna said the police told him he arrest was in order as Edo State government does not permit night movement due to the lockdown.
According to him, “After showing them the permit I have, they still went ahead to arrest me, claiming I don’t have the right to move, they arrested me and I stayed there till the following morning before I proceeded after giving them what they asked for.
He further said he was released on Wednesday morning after he paid them the sum of N25,000.
Responding to this, special assistant to Edo State Governor on Security matters, Yusuf Haruna who spoke to the Nation, said they are yet to get the official report of the incident.
Haruna who said Edo State government did not make any order to restrict essential workers said, they are ready to collaborate with the public to get rid of those
“Those with clearance papers are allowed to deliver foods. Police are meant to enforce the law, but collecting money from people is not part of the training, as government, we do not identify with such, the pain is already much on Nigerians, we don’t expect anyone to add to it”, he added.
Speaking further, the Farm Manager, Nigeria Farmers’ Group and Cooperative Society (NFGCS), Peter Ogbeide said actions by security personnel will not just discourage producers but will affect the price of commodities.
Ogbeide who said constant harassment by the security personnel may also lead to food crisis said immediate action should be taken to ensure the free flow of foodstuff.
He said: “These security personnel should be enlightened on what to do. Once an essential worker has relevant documents, he or she shouldn’t be distorted from working.