The Federal government has apologised to Nigerians for the violation of the social distancing order at late Abba Kyari’s burial.

Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Boss Mutapha, tendered the apology during the daily media briefing of the taskforce in Abuja on Monday evening, April 20.

Nigerians took to social media to blast the government after videos and photos from the burial of Abba Kyari showing how crowded it was, surfaced online. Many people turned out for the burial and several guidelines put in place the government to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic were violated.

Boss Mutapha said it is regrettable that social distancing was not observed during the burial.

The PTD recognises regrettably the unintentional violation of the principles and protocols that form the core of our messages to Nigerians at teh funeral of the late Chief of Staff. These principles for emphasis include the guidance provided on mass gatherings, social distancing, personal hygiene and restriction of movement. Lessons have been learnt and appropriate measures have been taken to close all gaps” he said