By Samuel Ogude
The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights,(CDHR) has told the Nigeria Police Force not to involve themselves in land grabbing activities in Delta State. The body made this known in a press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the National President of the body, Dr. Kehinde Prince Taiga. According to the statement, the way some officers of the Nigeria Police Force are aiding and abetting land grabbing activities across Delta State is worrisome as this does not speak good on the image of the police force in one hand and the good the state on the other.
The body therefore called on the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, to urgently caution his men, particularly, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Delta State Command to desist from any form of collaboration with land grabbers.
Part of the statement reads: “The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the growing involvement of some officers of the Nigeria Police Force in aiding and abetting land grabbing activities across Delta State…” According CDHR, without being told, the police should know that they are entrusted with the duty of protecting lives and property, not to facilitate illegality and oppression in the state and the country at large.
CDHR raised this alarm based on what it described as disturbing, the recent incident in Asaba, where police officers reportedly confronted one another in the course of protecting the interests of land grabbers saying, this action was not only embarrassing and dangerous development but it reflects a serious breakdown of discipline and professionalism within the police force.
According to the great human rights body, if this phenomenon is not brought to an end, the organization has no choice but mobilise its over 5,000 youths to embark on peaceful protest against the Delta State Police Command to demand for accountability and justice in this regard.
Part of the statement reads: “If this trend of police complicity in land grabbing is not immediately addressed, CDHR will have no option but to mobilize and lead a peaceful protest of over 5,000 youths against the Delta State Police Command to demand accountability and justice.” CDHR therefore called on the police hierarchy to act swiftly to restore public confidence, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that officers found culpable are brought to book.