Posted by By Kingsley Omonobi on
POLICE Affairs minister, Alowei Broderick Bozimo yesterday faulted last week's report of Human Rights Watch which concluded that the Nigerian police carry out extra judicial killings as a matter of routine. The organisation said the report was extremely uncharitable to the police.
ABUJA - POLICE Affairs minister, Alowei Broderick Bozimo yesterday faulted last week's report of Human Rights Watch which concluded that the Nigerian police carry out extra judicial killings as a matter of routine. The organisation said the report was extremely uncharitable to the police.
"While it would be unrealistic to say that incidences of extra-judicial killings have never happened in Nigeria, just like it happens even in developed countries with all their famed technology and equipment, to say it is a daily occurrence is extremely uncharitable to Nigeria police," he said at a press conference on the activities of his ministry. "Even the Apo six killings and the reaction of the police have shown the determination of the force to clamp down on incidences of such unlawful acts."
"The Apo 6 incident has opened a new vista for the police. Conscience is an open wound; only the bar of truth can heal it. The police is now ready to lay its wound bare through their action and only truth will heal it."
He likened the human rights report to that of the American intelligence service, which warned that Nigeria would break up in the next ten years saying "I think that is the height of meddlesomeness. It is not a matter of routine, it cannot be."
The minister, however, urged Nigerians to take another look at the police force, which belongs to them, and see how it can be improved.
"Perhaps, we should start looking at the society and ask, what do we do to stop the devil in some our policemen. Some of them are not fit to be there. What they do is nasty, it is sad but it is also true that the police are suffering a lot of neglect that result into some of this things."
Also speaking at the occasion, acting Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero explained that the police plan to address incidents of extra judicial killing through re-orientation, seminars and re-training.
"I believe in the rule of law, fundamental human rights. I believe that no man should take life except through lawful means and I believe we have to admit when an error of judgement is committed."