Chizo Opara -Owerri
Amnesty International has called for independent investigators into allegation of human rights violations at the police anti kidnapping unit called Tiger Base .
The Campaign was held in Owerri Imo State with the theme strengthening accountability, professionalism and civilian protection within Nigerians security architecture.
The event brought together civil society organisations,policy makers , police authorities,media, civil society organisations and other key stake holders.
Speaking during the programmes a researcher with Amnesty international Maurice Chukwu maintained that the campaign was aimed at reviewing the report by the organisation titled “Tiger Base of Atrocities Human rights violation by Nigeria police Anti-kidnapping unit in Owerri.
He regretted that despite the fact that the report exposed alleged abuse and human rights violations by Tiger Base such as enforced disappearance,unlawful detention ,deaths in custody ,extortion among others ,hence no officer of the unit had been held accountable through recognised judicial processes.
Mr Chukwu who advocated total over hauling of the Anti-kidnapping unit and officers found culpable to be charged to court and prosecuted in line with the law through fair trials also reiterated Amnesty International resolve to promote fundamental human rights of residents.
Also speaking ,the Digital Campaigner for Amnesty International, Samson Abobaria noted that the campaign was aimed at investigating and addressing alleged human rights violations by the units, end abuses ,strengthen justice and amplify the voices of survivors.
He stressed the need to make the justice system accessible to victims and their families in other to restore residents confident in the judicial system and security agencies services in the state and Nigeria at large.
Responding ,the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer Dsp Henry Okoye , expressed the commands readiness to partner other sister agencies and non-govt actors in curbing criminalities and alleged violations of human rights by police personnel.
He maintained that the commissioner of police Audu Bosso led command remains committed to improving police service delivery in the state.
Dsp Okoye announced that more than eight errant police officers had been dismissed from the command while three had been arranged and remanded in a correctional facility pending trial .
He also invited individuals with credible evidence of alleged human rights violation to report to the command, assuring them that decisive action would be taken against any officer found culpable and justice ensured for victims.
Some of the participants at the event made recommendations targeted at ending police brutality in the country.
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