Red Cross denounces siren abuse in Nigeria

The unlicensed use of sirens by Nigerian citizens has been condemned by the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

Musa Abdullahi, the executive secretary, addressed on Thursday at a workshop about the dangers facing health care (HCiD).

In particular for those who require immediate medical attention, Abdullahi claimed that the practice endangered health and emergency services.

He was cited by NAN as adding, “The rate at which everyone is abusing the usage of sirens in this country is worrying.”

Abdullahi forewarned that ambulances transporting sick individuals or accident victims were frequently disregarded due to misuse of sirens.

Everyone deserves access to healthcare at all times, and we should show respect to the injured and ill, he continued.

Participants in the session demanded a campaign to raise awareness and harsher punishments for siren misuse.

They demanded that the Federal Government decrease the number of people who are permitted to use it and raise the fines for such violations from N3,000 to N50,000.

Those permitted to use sirens are the President, Vice President, Senate President, House of Representatives Speaker, their deputies, and Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Others include governors, deputies, the fire department, ambulance services, and military and paramilitary organizations (during emergencies).