As reactions continue to trail the alleged maltreatment of certain Lois Ngi Iorvihi and his family by some persons believed to be security aides to Nasarawa State governor, Al-Makura Tanko; a group under the aegis of Concerned Nigerian Citizens has called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to investigate the matter and possibly bring those behind the cruel act to book.
The group, which staged a protest tagged Impunity of Al Makura on Friday in Abuja, described the incident as an indictment on the Nigeria Police Force.
The protesters who were seen displaying placards bearing different inscriptions such as: ”Nigerian march against impunity of Al Makura, ” Nigerians say no to police harassment, brutality, misconduct, impunity and lawlessness, among others; asked the police boss whi received them to call his officers to order.
A statement issued at the end of the protest by the conveners warned that such act of lawlessness would no longer be tolerated.
According to the statement signed by it frontiers, Aisha Yesufu and Sesugh Akume, the police were supposed to protect lives and property and not harassing innocent citizens.
The statement reads below:
“We are a committed group of law abiding and well-meaning patriotic Nigerians. We formally brought to the notice of the Inspector-General of Police that on Thursday, 10 September 2015, officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force on convoy of Governor Al-Makura of Nasarawa brutalised and dehumanised Nigerian citizens, vandalised their vehicle and destroyed other properties.
“They acted lawlessly (in the manner of goons), deployed fright, intimidation and vandalism to achieve their ends. This makes them no different from terrorists. Ironically as law enforcement officers, they were so brazen in their lawlessness, and acted with such impunity not minding the consequences.
This is an indictment on the Nigeria Police Force. This is one of innumerable cases. This, we the citizens find unacceptable. We therefore wish to register our displeasure at these continued cases of police misconduct, brutality, impunity and lawlessness; and Mr IGP to use his good offices to end these once and for all during his tenure. We therefore call for: A. An investigation into this particular incidence involving the security detail on Governor Al-Makura’s convoy; and for the stiffest penalties meted to the offenders to serve as a deterrent to others.
“This would go a long way in restoring citizens’ confidence in the police. B. Setting up and/or promoting an accountability system for citizens to report police misconduct; and for the investigations into such reported matters to be carried out transparently, and offenders dealt with to the full extent of the law.
“This is a sure means of putting to an end to the negative culture of police misconduct, brutality and impunity; and restoring public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
“This would cause, and promote promote a ‘police-citizens understanding and partnership’ in working towards instilling a culture of propriety, and the respect of law and order, as well as crime prevention in our country.,” the statement added.
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