The Delta State Police Command has strictly criticized and disowned the overzealous operations of some police officers who attacked residents of Ekredjebor community in Ughelli North LGA. The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, made this known in a statement released on Tuesday. Edafe made it known that the act of the officers concerned was unacceptable and condemned by the Delta State Police Command.
According to Metro, a video that was circulating on social media showed some of the policemen, who went to the Delta community for an operation, carrying planks and brutally assaulting a few locals. The Delta State Police Command vehemently disowned the actions of the officers, stating that it was not in their character to assault members of the public who they were supposed to protect. Additionally, they stressed that planks are not part of the police accoutrements, and it is unprofessional of the officers concerned to assault members of the public in any guise.
DSP Bright Edafe also confirmed that the erring officers involved had been identified, and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, had ordered the immediate detention of such officers. Internal disciplinary mechanisms have since been initiated to ensure that the officers are penalized in line with the police act and regulations. This move was to serve as a deterrent to others and to avoid a recurrence of such incidents.
In his statement, the Commissioner of Police condemned the misconduct of the police officers and encouraged members of the public to remain calm, assuring them of their commitment to taking necessary action against any police officer who disobeys the human rights of others. Members of the public were urged to report cases of abuse in human rights or any other infractions by policemen of the command. The statement also provided a contact number for the office of the Police Public Relations Officer and the Command Control Room.
In conclusion, the Delta State Police Command stated in clear terms that any form of unprofessionalism, including the assault of members of the public, would not be tolerated in the state. This is a stern warning to officers who partake in such unruly behavior and a positive step towards rebuilding the trust of the people of Delta State in the police force.
