Petition against the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State command

Sir: Due to the incessant harassment, abuse, killing and other dishonest activities of men of the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command, especially within Makurdi Metropolis, where I witnessed a lot of police ill-treatment of the people, I write this petition against the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command for the following reasons:

On Thursday, December 3, 2015, the policemen at B Division Police Station Makurdi, reportedly arrested a woman with her baby, who was less than a year-old simply because of a domestic violence involving her, her husband and her husband’s lover. The concern here is on the innocent baby who was together with her mother.

Recently, policemen in Makurdi, shot a vigilante group member, rushed him to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi and abandoned him there. After the incident, they denied being responsible for the shooting that put the man in the unfortunate condition.

Another issue against the police in Benue State is the incessant and unnecessary arrests of some members of the public, demanding money from them and threatening to take them to the station if they fail to comply.

According to information, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Makurdi, Benue State, shot and killed innocent citizens for crimes they know nothing about.

There have been several publications in different national dailies across the country regarding the unprofessional activities of the policemen in Benue State. Despite all these publications no change has been effected. High-handedness may not be peculiar to the Benue policemen but the activities in Makurdi. This should not escape the Inspector General’s attention.

• Awunah Pius Terwase,
Makurdi.Benue State.