There was tension in Abuja on Wednesday
as soldiers deployed to enforce the President’s lockdown order unleashed
terror on residents.
The soldiers, who took over the boundary
of the Federal Capital Territory with Nasarawa State, blocked the entry
and exit routes, leaving commuters stranded.
Our correspondent observed as few of the soldiers wielding guns, rods and horsewhips chased a middle-aged worker.
One of the soldiers, in a moment of
rage, threw a rod at the fleeing worker but missed him, forcing other
residents to scamper for safety.
This was as one of the soldiers ordered a man and a lady to squat down by the road.
The soldiers rejected all means of
identification and the Exemption Pass issued by the Federal Capital
Territory Administration to essential workers.
The President, Major General Muhammadu
Buhari (retd.), had, while declaring the 14-day lockdown, said essential
workers, including health workers and journalists, were not affected by
the stay-at-home order.
A man, who introduced himself as a
medical doctor in Garki hospital, was rebuffed and asked to leave as he
tried to convince the soldiers.
Our correspondent, who was at the
checkpoint on his way to the capital city, was also turned back despite
identifying himself as a journalist and showing them his Exemption Pass.
Two of the soldiers threatened to deal with him, if he refused to turn back and return to his house.
“You are a journalist, and so? The
government has said no entry. Call the man that gave you the pass to
come here,” one of the soldiers said in reference to the pass issued by
the FCT Police Command.
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