…Nigerians, Human Rights Lawyers, Activists React On Tiger Base Police Investigation
More reactions have continued to trail the investigation carried out by Nigerian Female Investigative Reporter, Juliana Francis, where she revealed the chilling human rights violations being perpetrated by Police Operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, popularly known as Tiger Base Police.
An Assistant Commissioner of Police, (ACP), who wishes to remain anonymous, said of the report: “ The Federal Government does not give personnel of the Nigerian Police money for investigation. The Police leadership is the worst, once they collect money, they abandon the junior officers and listen to those that had given them money.
“Nigerians cannot get a better deal until Police are treated right! You can write until tomorrow, nothing will happen, and nothing will change, unless they want to sack all Police personnel in Nigeria.
“Nigerians are not fair to the Police. The Police are treated with brutality, during the #ENDSARS, Police personnel were killed, burnt and eaten. What then do you expect from them?
“Until Nigerians change towards the Police, treat them right, until government change towards the Police and treat them right, nothing will change.
“As far I am concerned, Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force are geniuses! They achieve so much with so little. Police are expected to track fleeing criminals, and investigate cases, yet the government does not provide money for investigating cases or for tracking fleeing criminals. Do members of the public want us to use our money to investigate cases and track suspects?”
Also, following the publication of the five-part investigation, a group of human rights lawyers and activists, created a group, Tiger Base Reform Advocacy, with discussion centered around getting suspects out of Tiger Base Police detention facilities via legal channels.
On XSpace, the report generated discussion, with some users tagging the handle of the Nigeria Police Force.
Below are some selected reactions from Facebook.
Obiajulu Agu said: “Thanks for yet another heart-rending instalment. I can’t wait to read more, hoping that, in all, these instigate expected reforms and positive changes in the system.”
Afam Efuna after reading the report, wrote: “Hope that Oladimeji is answering for his crimes now.”
Another Facebook user, Ashamu Adegbola, seemed to be shocked by the practice going on at Tiger Base Police.
His word: “Haaaaaaaa! so these stores I have been hearing over the years is true? I should now believe because its coming from “arinu-rode” of police.”
Mr Believe Aimienmwona stated: “How come the suspects died? I think thorough investigations be instituted to unrivalled the circumstances that led to their deaths.”
A Veteran Crime Editor, Alex Otudor, said: “Visit Correctional and Custodialcentress, one would weep for inmates. With this heatwave, over 50 mostly innocent, awaiting trial detainees are packed in a medium-sized room without ventilation. The prisoners die prematurely. Can’t the government acquire large parcels of land for these prisoners, (a good percentage of them framed up by the police for their inability to show cause), as to engage them in large-scale farming? Thanks, Julie, for that exposè.”
One Mr Francis Banji Abayomi said: “ Nigeria Police perpetrate extra-judicial killings with reckless abandon!”
Mr Martins Iwuanyanwu also has something to say about the issue: “This is accurate information.”
Mr Madunagu Emeka, former Editor of The Punch Newspaper and New Telegraph Newspaper, said: “Many things about Niger make one shed tears. This country is seriously damaged with many horrible people.”
Mr Agunbiade Babatunde, opines: “The situation is a Nationwide. The Human Rights record of the civilian administration all over the Country seems to be worse than the era of the military regime. There is no respect for Human Rights and life. The situation is more precarious at the so-called Correction Centres.
“Those who have evidence and facts about this inhumane treatment and lack of respect, dignity and life of Human beings should compile and make it available for the necessary awareness, mobilization and resistance by people. People United can never be Defeated.”
