High Alert: Nigeria Still At Risk Of Ebola Outbreak

The Nigerian Government must not let their guide down, we still are at risk of this deadly virus called Ebola, According to The Cable barely a month after Nigeria was certified Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the possibility of re-infection through the land border with Republic of Benin remains high,Passengers passing through international airports are thoroughly screened, with everyone required to fill a contact-tracing form  in addition to undergoing a body temperature check

But the Nigeria-Republic of Benin land border freely used on a daily basis by millions of West African travellers, potentially including those who have visited Ebola-hit countries such as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone is grossly under-policed. Although checks are carried out at certain entry points, there are over 20 illegal routes identified by TheCable where travellers do not undergo any form of screening at all. Some of those routes are used for smuggling and at least six Nigerian states, which share border with Benin, are at risk. Travellers can enter Nigeria through Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Niger and Kebbi states.

A passenger filling contact-tracing form at a legal route

Abdul Asiyanbi, a resident of Oyo state who recently travelled to parts of Benin through Kwara and Oyo states, told TheCable that there were no posts for Ebola screening. “I departed Nigeria through Kenu village in Baruten local government area of Kwara state on Thursday. There was no screening whatsoever. I only paid trans-border charges when I wanted to enter Kabou in Benin Republic,” he said. 

“We just saw publicity materials of Ebola posted around border communities but there was no one to screen. On Sunday when I was returning, I passed through the towns of Nattingou, Parakou, Chikanda, all in Benin, to link Saki in Oyo state, still no screening.” While there were no provisions at all for screening in Kwara and Oyo states, even the one done in the border communities in Lagos had glaring lapses. Based on the proximity of Cotonou, capital of Benin, to Lagos, the commercial hub of West Africa, there is usually an influx of people crossing into both countries. They cross from Lagos into Seme and Owode Apa, the communities sharing land border with Benin.

An illegal route at Seme where travellers escape screening

Read more at: http://www.thecable.ng/red-alert-nigeria-still-risk-ebola-outbreak-road-travellers-dodge-screening | TheCable

                                    An illegal route at Seme where travellers escape screening