NIGERIA: Why police will not stop killing and harassing citizens
The media space in the past few months have been dominated by disturbing news of unjust assaults and killings of innocent citizens by law enforcement – particularly the Nigerian Police Force.
Several victims of assaults and harassment do not get justice, even after reporting erring officers to their respective divisions.
Here are the reasons the assault and killings of innocent citizens, which have been going on for years, do not look like they’ll stop:
1. No one is willing to take a stand
Yes, everybody is scared. No one is willing to stand up to these uncultured and unprofessional officers and proclaim their rights.
Many Nigerians do not even know their rights. “Give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” many will say.
The officers do not even know citizens’ rights, or they simply do not care.
2. Corruption
It is a known fact that corruption eats deep into every sector in the country. The Nigeria Police Force is not left out.
Officers extort citizens in the name of checking vehicular papers. They waylay any young citizens that dare to own exotic phones or laptops.
In the end, the “offender” is asked to “drop” something.
3. No grave consequences for unprofessional officers
Tough talk, no action.
While the IG of Police and Commissioners across all states have talked tough on administering strict punitive measures on erring officers, little has been seen to that effect by the general public.
Officers go about committing crimes, knowing fully well that they would most likely be protected by the Force.
Hence it is easy to threaten uncooperative “offenders” of roping them in crimes they haven’t committed.
4. Citizens have no trust in police
The sight of a police officer with gun is enough to send shivers down the spine of law-abiding citizens, because they know you don’t have to be a criminal to fall on the receiving end of harassment or assault.
Lack of trust in the Nigeria Police Force is partly why victims of assaults or families of unjust killings will “leave the matter to God.”
It is also the reason for citizens would rather mete out jungle justice on alleged “criminals”.
All of these reasons prove why, to put a stop to the indiscriminate killings and harassment, something drastic – a tougher clampdown on erring officers – needs to be done.
Sadly, in Nigeria, nothing hardly ever gets done right.
