Extra-Judicial Killings: Enough Is Enough- IGP
Concerned with the recurring incidence of unprofessional handling and misuse of firearms and other misconducts by a few Policemen which have resulted in the injury to, and death of some, unarmed innocent citizens, especially in Lagos State Command, the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP M.A Adamu, Monday paid official visit to Lagos State to primarily, condole the family, friends and well-wishers of the victims and secondly to address officers and men of the Command against involving in acts that pitch the Police against the citizens they are statutorily obligated to serve and protect.
The IGP, while addressing the over 1000 Officers and Men of the Command at the Police College, Ikeja, stated that the Nigeria Police Force, as a disciplined, transparent, responsible, responsive and accountable institution will never condone any form of abuse of power, overzealousness and sundry unprofessional conducts. He reiterates that such anomalies, aside negating the professional calling of the Police, are unacceptable as they create distrust and disdain between the citizens and the Force, thereby widening the trust gap between the two.
The IGP therefore assures the entire public that the Force has immediately embarked on administrative actions and policies directed towards giving a new orientation to the personnel especially on human rights and international best practices. While noting that there will be personnel re-organisation in Lagos State, the IGP has also directed nationwide training and capacity development programmes on weapons handling and laws and policies regulating the use of force.
The IGP, earlier in a private meeting with the family of the victims, Ada Ifeanyi and Emmanuel Akomafuwa, commiserated with them and assured them that justice will not only be done but will be manifestly seen to have been done in getting justice for the deceased and the injured. Responding, the spokesperson of the family of the deceased, Barr. Obuesi Philips, appreciated the IGP for his timely response and appealed to him to ensure that he walks his talk.
Before leaving Lagos State back to Abuja, the IGP paid courtesy visits to both the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Alaiyeluwa Oba Riliwanu Babatunde, Osuolale Aremu Akiolu 1.
At the Lagos state Government house, the Governor commended the IGP for his visit and his timely intervention on the unfortunate, but seemingly recurring issue of excessive use of force by a few cops in the country. He promised that Lagos state Government will continue to work with the Police to find solutions to the challenges of crime and criminality in our society.
On his part, the Oba of Lagos called for the improved funding of the Police, saying “No amount of investment in security is too much for a nation desirous of peace”. He charged the IGP not to relent in his quest at repositioning the Force.
