By Palma Ileye
A group, Society for the Youth and the Downthrodden, SOYD, has condemned the killing of inspector Orukpe Monday of the Nigeria Police Force on the 5th August, 2022 by the Nigeria Army Officers in Lagos.
In a Press Statement issued yesterday, by the group’s President, Comrade Ogwuche Gabriel called on the National Security Adviser, Babagana Mungunu to investigate the matter.
The statement read; “We believes that thorough investigation into the matter and possible sanctions in accordance with the relevant sections of extant law will provide lasting solution.”
It noted that the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Army under the current and past leadership have failed Nigerians in this regards, for not professionally responding to this perennial problem adding that the ugly development was “worrisome to us because it`s diminishing the image of The Nigeria Army and constitutes national embarrassment.”
It continued, “Please see the following other recent police-military confrontations in Nigeria: On the 30th May, 22 at Numan Rd, Adamawa, one soldier was killed in the line of duty while police officers lost their lives during the clash
0n Thursday 22nd May 2020 in Abakeliki, Ebonyi State capital, scores of soldiers and police officers were killed during exchange of fire. The clash was as a result of impounding of tricycle belonging to Army personel over alleged violation of traffic rules.
“On the 12th April 2017, Damaturu, Yobe State in the early hours of the day, three policemen were killed in the line of duty and one soldier shot dead. The clash was as a result of Army Officer who dressed in mufti (civilian dress) that resisted lawful arrest.
“On the 15th April, 2017, one soldier and two police men lost their lives in Yobe State during exchange of fire.
On the 22nd February, 2013 in Dogonyaro, Bauchi State, scores of soldiers and Policemen were killed at the Police check point during confrontation.
“On Sunday 22nd May, 2011 in Lagos, there was fight between Nigeria Army Reece Battalion and officers of the Nigeria Police, Badagary Division where many security officers and civilians were killed. The crises was as a result of accidental killing of a soldier by a young policeman.
“This is to mention but just a few. We can`t continue to be managing this situation and pretend that all is well with our armed forces. ENOUGH IS ENUOGH. The fundamental human right of security officers must be protected, guaranteed and reinforced, especially when in the line of duty.
“We hold that Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other sister security Agencies derived their power from the law with no one superior to the other, but each having clear responsibilities to discharge for the interest of the nation. Consequently, this should form a basis for mutual respect and relationship among our Armed Forces.”
Ogwuche in the statement noted that “In view of the above, we call on the National Security Adviser and Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate the matters and come up with measures that will permanently stop further confrontations among security forces in Nigeria from henceforth.”
