Lockdowns, physical distancing and other forms of social restrictions have been accepted globally as key measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). These measure are crucial in containing the spread of the deadly virus, but they are also exposing residents to increased risk of violence and human rights abuses. In Abia state, clashes between residents and public security forces over the enforcement of the COVID-19 lockdown have resulted in several fatalities. According to data (see map), clashes between public security operatives and residents caused over 170 fatalities in Abia state between March 2015 and March 2020. Recently, there has been a series of violent clashes between residents and public security operatives over the enforcement of compliance with the COVID-19 lockdown order in the state. On April 17, 2020, for instance, two residents were reportedly killed during clashes with security operatives over issues relating to compliance with the lockdown in Ebem Ohafia community, Ohafia LGA. The incident reportedly sparked off a series of violent protests by residents in the area.
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