By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
The Igede Youth Council (IYC) has frowned at the incessant extortion by the police officers at the many checkpoints along Otukpo-Oju road in Benue state.
In a letter of protest signed by the President and Secretary of the Council, Comrade Andyson Iji and Amb. Akoko Smith respectively and addressed to the Benue state Commissioner of Police , which was made available to NATIONAL ACCORD on Friday, the Council expressed deep concern regarding the incidents.
The letter reads; “We write on behalf of the Igede Youth Council to express our deep concern regarding the increasing incidents of extortion by police officers at the numerous checkpoints along the Otukpo-Oju road. The situation has become intolerable and is not only tarnishing the image of the police force but also contradicting the operational guidelines set forth by the Inspector General of Police”.
I”t has come to our attention that young and vulnerable Igede people as well as travelers passing through this vital route, are regularly subjected to unwarranted harassment and demands for bribes from officers stationed at these checkpoints. Such unlawful activities undermine public trust in the police, which is crucial for effective community policing and crime prevention”.
According to the IYC, the essence of the police force is to ensure safety and uphold the law, yet these acts of extortion are doing the opposite. They contribute to an environment of fear and mistrust and inhibit the very spirit of security that the force is supposed to cultivate.
” Furthermore, these actions are in direct conflict with the operational principles that emphasize integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rights of citizens”.
“Therefore, we implore you to take decisive action to address this prevailing culture of corruption and misconduct among the officers in the Otukpo Division. We urge you to implement immediate measures to stop this ugly development and save our people from the excruciating agony of being disposed of their little monies on a daily basis”.
“We expect that the Otukpo Division of Nigerian Police will adhere to the standards of conduct expected of law enforcement professionals and contribute positively to our society”, it added.
