Hunger preventing us from observing lockdown – Lagos residents

Residents of communities in Lagos State say that hunger is responsible for their noncompliance with the lockdown.

While some residents observed the stay-home-order, others, including commercial motorists, were seen flouting the directive. They cited different reasons including hunger and illnesses when accosted by law enforcement agents.

When asked why she decided to disobey the stay-home directive, one Iya Rukayat ­, a bag seller in Ketu, said hunger prompted her to display her bags for sale. She added that she fed her family from her daily income.

She said,

“At first, I observed the order, but it got to a point that there was no money to feed my family, so I had to come out to sell my bags. I just started displaying my goods this morning and I have not made any sale. I cannot just stay at home when my family is hungry.”

Speaking on condition of anonymity, another resident of the Alapere, said she had not benefitted from the foodstuffs donated by the state government.

At Berger, Iyana-Ipaja. Igando, Iba, Iyana-Iba and Mile 2, motorcyclists, (Okada); tricyclists (Keke) and traders were seen working without being disturbed by security men.