POLICE BRUTALITY: Reps move to check alleged killings, rights abuses in Enugu communities
The House of Representatives has ordered a full-scale investigation into alleged killings and rights abuses of citizens in Amechi Uwani and Obeagu Awkunanaw communities of Enugu State.
The House of Representatives has ordered a full-scale investigation into alleged killings and rights abuses of citizens in Amechi Uwani and Obeagu Awkunanaw communities of Enugu State.
The decision followed the receipt of a petition on the issue by the member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Atu Chimaobi Sam, at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
The Speaker directed the House committee on public petition to probe the issue and report back to the House for legislative action.
It was gathered that the committee is to interface with all persons of interest, especially with the prime suspect in the murder cases, as well as with the investigating police officers from Zone 13. Zonal Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to unravel the conspiracy.
It will also facilitate the conclusion of investigation of the murder cases, particularly of the check point assassinations of on-duty security personnel within Enugu metropolis.
The committee would also encourage the Police Service Commission to expedite action on all petitions against activities of SP Chidiebere Ijiomah in 2020, and other police formations, to serve as deterrence to other recalcitrant officers.
This would also include the recent appeal to overhaul the state Police Command for effective policing.
It was further learnt that the committee was also mandated to facilitate conclusion of investigations on the 1,097 hectares of land in the communities.
Sam expressed optimism that the House has the capacity to intervene and call the police force to order, encouraging it to act professionally within the ambits of the law or be held liable for the consequences of its actions or inactions in the interest of justice.
The lawmaker submitted the petition on behalf of The Concerned Kindred Families of Amechi Uwani Awkunanaw, led by Richard Nnamani and Samuel Ewo.
The petitioners claimed that there have been series of atrocities, criminal activities and other vices leading to the murder of several members of their community, as well as neighbouring Obeagu Awkunanaw Community, by a group who whose cases appear to have been swept under the carpet by the police for inexplicable reasons.
