The United States of America has warned its citizens against travelling to Nigeria over the coronavirus infections.
The US warns the citizens of dangers of traveling to 12 states in the country as result terrorism, kidnappings and other security challenges.
“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to COVID-19. Some areas have increased risk,” the US warns its citizens in advisory obtained on its website.
The advisory was dated August 6.
The US advisory is coming a few days after the UK government issued a similar advisory which harped only on security challenges.
Incidentally, the US which is issuing the advisory of COVID-19 risks is the epicenter of the pandemic in the world.
The country has logged over 6 million cases with over 150,000 deaths, while Nigeria has a little over 30,000 total cases of the virus infections with about a thousand death.
The US government also cautioned her citizens from travelling to 12 states in Nigeria over security challenges, citing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.
In a statement, titled, “Country Summary”, the US warned her citizens against travels to Borno and Yobe and Adamawa states due to terrorism; and Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Yobe states due to kidnapping
Other states listed are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.
The advisory reads, “Do not travel to Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Yobe states. The security situation in Northwest and Northeast Nigeria is fluid and unpredictable, particularly in the states listed above due to widespread inter-communal violence and kidnapping.
“Terrorist groups based in the Northeast target churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, and entertainment venues. Approximately two million Nigerians have been displaced as a result of the violence in Northeast Nigeria.
“Do not travel to coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) – Crime is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, and there is a heightened risk of kidnapping and maritime crime, along with violent civil unrest and attacks against expatriate oil workers and facilities.”
“Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and rape – is common throughout the country,” the US added.
“Exercise extreme caution throughout the country due to the threat of indiscriminate violence.”
