PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

In 2019, a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infecting humans emerged in Wuhan, China. Since the outbreak of
the virus, it has spread across all parts of world with Europe, Asia and America recording high death cases.
Scholars and experts from various elds have attributed the outbreak of the disease to various conspiracy
theories and so on. In Nigeria, knowledge and perception about the corona virus among ordinary people
has a different outlook. This study, therefore, assessed the knowledge and perceptions of people in
Maiduguri, Nigeria on Covid-19. Purposive sampling technique was used to engage respondents within
Maiduguri. In-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used as methods of data collection.
The study found that majority of the respondents believe COVID-19 exists but showed negative attitude
towards adhering to preventive measures. The study also revealed that majority of the respondents think
that COVID-19 in Maiduguri and Nigeria as a whole is quite different from that of other parts of the world,
and hence not as deadly as it is being portrayed. The study therefore recommended a more robust and
pragmatic enlightenment programme across communities incorporating local religious and traditional
leaders in the ght against covid-19.