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By Raymond Osho
ABEOKUTA: As crime rate escalates amidst the compulsory lockdown in Ogun state, a Lawmaker, representing Egbado North 1, Hon. Adeyanju Adegoke Awoso on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 warned that extension of lockdown for another 2weeks by the Federal Government could ignite crime and criminality in the state as individuals source of living depends on their daily activities.
Awoso appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to consider the young individuals in the second phase of the distribution of relief materials if the incessant crime must end.
His view was that the crime rate being perpetrated by young individuals in the state could not be unconnected to the fact that the palliative measure was solely targeted at the elderly, venerable, indisposed and physically challenged, leaving the young behind.
Awoso who is the Chairman, House Committee On Health & Vice Chairman of the Education Committee at the Ogun State House of Assembly spoke in an open letter to Governor Abiodun on the distribution of relief materials during the second phase of lockdown in the state.
The Lawmaker argued that the extension of two weeks of lockdown under the robbery condition is like “igniting a keg of gunpowder”, saying, “the unemployment ravaging the youths and their survival instincts have pushed them into the unholy activities which he said is evident with the surge in the rate of crime and insecurity under one week of the Lockdown.
Awoso expressed worry that crime, hunger and insecurity could take more lives than the Coronavirus, if the welfare of this young and energetic age-group are not hurriedly addressed.
His words “I want to plead with Your Excellency to consider the able bodied young individuals in the next phase of the distribution of Relief Materials – if there is going to be a second phase Sir. A large percentage of our youths depend on daily income for survival which has been rendered impotent with the lockdown.
“In as such as the lockdown is for our own good, the ensuing cyclical unemployment coupled with their survival instincts have pushed them into unto activities which is evident with the surge in the rate of crime and insecurity under one week of the Lockdown.”
Awoso added, “Proposing another two weeks under same condition and circumstances will be like igniting a ‘keg of gunpowder’. These young individuals’ source of livelihood hangs on their daily proceeds. The okada riders, market women, transporters, street hawkers, artisans etc., feed on the forces of demand and supply which is now in comatose as a result of the lockdown.”
Awoso stated futher, “The State and Federal Government should know that crime, hunger and insecurity will take more lives than the Coronavirus itself if the welfare of this young and energetic age-group are not hurriedly addressed. ”
While lauding the Governor’s effort to ensure that the Covid-19 is surmounted, the lawmaker appealed to Governor Abiodun to jealously monitor the registration of Ogun indigenes for the Federal Government relief Fund of N5,000 per person.
