Police Service Commission Raise Alarm Over Human Rights Violations In Southeast
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has raised the alarm over the spate of human rights abuse and extortion taking place at checkpoints in Southeast.
PSC said it will take Disciplinary action against Policemen who engage in these violations and find it difficult to work within ‘approved boundaries’
DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), Chairman of PSC said this at Southeast Stakeholders Summit on Peace and Security, and Public Hearing On Human Rights Violations in Enugu on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22.
The event was organised by Organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Partnership With Southeast Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),
Argungu who was represented by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesman of PSC said the Southeast region had become the hot bed of insecurity in the country and the unofficial headquarters of Human Rights violations.
PSC chairman commended the organisers of the event for raising conversation around the Southeast insecurity saying the Commission wholeheartedly identified with them on their mission of search for crime in Southeast.
He said the Commission was concerned about serious human rights violations by some Police Officers in the Southeast who have continued to meddle into civil matters because of the financial attraction against several warnings.
“We are no more comfortable with the abuse of Office by some security personnel detailed to provide security across this region, we must free the region of these gangs of Policemen.
“We understand that there is a high level of insecurity in the zone especially with the ceaseless and senseless attacks from brainwashed youths from this zone masquerading as freedom fighters.
“But that obviously should not and never be an excuse to relapse into corruption by the security Agencies.
“We have continued to observe the corruption and extortion that dot all the roads in the region by virtually all the security operatives who are supposed to safeguard the roads and restore unhindered movement.
“The road blocks mounted by these security Agencies have unfortunately turned into toll gates where road users are forced under gunpoint to part with money,” he said.
In his address of welcome, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC) stakeholders’ engagement was informed by the need to highlight ‘intractable and debilitating’ challenges of insecurity in Southeast.
Nwanguma said it was regrettable that Southeast, which was the most peaceful and vibrant region in Nigeria, had gradually and steadily descended into anarchy and existential crisis of enormous proportions
He said the situation called for urgent and joint efforts to interrogate and understand the root, nature, facets and effects on the well-being of our people..
“When we understand the various factors and forces driving insecurity, we can then proffer informed solutions towards restoring order, peace, security and prosperity.
“Many of our communities have been overrun and taken over by criminal elements who without mercy and compunction, kill, maim, destroy and rape in an unrestrained reign of terror. Many families have been displaced.
“Women have been rendered widows and childless, girls have been abducted and held as sex slaves, children have been forced to abandon education, traditional rulers have been chased out of their kingdoms.
“The clergy have been kidnapped and killed. Nobody is spared in this abominable reign of terror, we must collaborate to seek solutions to the lingering multidimensional challenges of insecurity and human rights violations,” he said.
RULAAC commented Gov. Peter Mbah for his efforts to combat insecurity in Enugu State saying it had yielded positive results and the state had become a relatively safe haven compared to other states in the region.
He said the establishment of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund was another laudable initiative, showcasing his dedication to tackling insecurity head-on
“His significant investments in security infrastructure, such as the Enugu State Command and Control Centre, a state-of-the-art surveillance system, demonstrate his commitment to protecting the welfare of Enugu residents,” he said.
Nwanguma also lauded other governors in the region for establishing security outfits to complement the Police and other conventional agencies but cautioned that they must endure respect for human rights and due process.
He urged governors to deploy more resources towards addressing insecurity and promoting human rights while calling for regional collaboration as insecurity was both local and global in the region.
“While these state security initiatives are a positive step toward improving local security, it is crucial that their operations adhere to legal and ethical standards.
“There is need for a review of strategies which prioritises
engagement, dialogue, constructive engagement with communities and youth in addressing the ro
ot and risk factors of insecurity,” he said.
