Task Force in Rivers State Hard on Traders

1. Some traders around the Agip Area of Port Harcourt close to where total lockdown total were said to have woken up by about 3AM last night to buy and sell things to enable them cope were said to have been molested by both men of the Rivers State Task Force on Street Trading and Illegal Motor Parks and the Police before daybreak. Reports monitored on Rhythm, 93.7FM by 2PM today reports that they were beaten up, fuel and kerosene poured on their food items, scattered and destroyed. The voices of the woman were aired on radio sharing and narrating their bitter experiences in the hands of the task force and Police. It is now about two weeks since the Governor opened market for people to buy things after it was short down.

2. The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike today announced that he would set up Task Force to enforce lock down and closure of State boundaries. He accused the Federal Police of sabotaging his efforts in the fight against COVID-19 Pandemic and that the Task Force would do the job better. The fears here is that the task force if not backed by a law made by the State House of Assembly would be illegal and their activities are capable of violating the rights of the people as they are likely going to carry guns.