*28 officers killed in Lagos, Abia, Rivers, Oyo, Anambra, four states in one week

*We won’t return to duty, respond to distress calls, aggrieved policemen threaten

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, will on Friday begin visits to the police commands across the country to boost the morale of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

The PUNCH on Thursday gathered that the morale of members of the force was low following the killing of no fewer than 28 policemen by hoodlums, who hijacked the #EndSARS protests that started in the country on October 8 and lasted for two weeks.

Findings showed that the police authorities were disturbed by the high level of dejection among policemen, hence the need for the IG to encourage them and boost their morale.

It was also learnt during the tour, the IG would assess the level of damage done by the hoodlums, who burnt police stations and looted government and private property.

These came to the fore on Thursday as many policemen, in separate interviews with The PUNCH, said they would not resume until government addressed the killing of their colleagues during the #EndSARS protests.

Following the shooting of peaceful #EndSARS protesters at Lekki, Lagos on October 20, hoodlums in states such as Lagos, Edo, Abia and Rivers looted and burnt police stations.

On Thursday, a top police officer, who confided in The PUNCH, said the police authorities were concerned about the low morale in the force following attacks on police stations and killing of policemen.

“The tour by the IG, which is starting in Abuja, is aimed at raising the morale of officers and men of the force many of whom are not happy that the police were blamed for almost all the problems of the country during the protests despite the fact all sectors have their bad eggs.

“We are not happy with the atrocities of SARS and other bad eggs in the force, but we are sad about the violent dimension the protest took. Many of those people killed were not hoodlums. Also, we lost fine officers and men, who were not found wanting on their duties. Our policemen are not happy that Nigerians are not concerned about the killing of policemen.”

The Deputy Force spokesman, Adeniran Aremu, told The PUNCH that the IG would on Friday (today) embark on an assessment of the security situation in Abuja.

Aremu disclosed in an SMS on Thursday that the IG would carry out an on-the-spot assessment of facilities and property destroyed by the hoodlums in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“You’re invited to cover the on-the-spot assessment of security situation and some critical facilities in Abuja by the IGP,” he said in an invitation sent to one of our correspondents.

Over 600 hooligans said to have participated in the looting of COVID-19 palliatives at various warehouses at Jabi-Daki-biu, Idu Industrial Estate and Karimo, Abuja, and in other states have been arrested and arraigned.

During the tour, Adamu is expected to address men and officers of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and encourage them against despondency.

But some members of the Nigeria Police have threatened not to respond to distress calls or enforce law and order across the country until the murder of their colleagues by suspected hoodlums was addressed by the authorities.

Some of the cops, who had been away from their duty posts for the last five days, accused the Federal Government and the police authorities of not caring about their safety and well being.

Senior officers, who spoke in separate interviews with one of our correspondents on Thursday, complained about the high number of their colleagues that were killed during the #EndSARS protests and the failure of the government and Nigerians to condemn the incident.

Findings by The PUNCH indicate that no fewer than 28 policemen were confirmed killed within one week in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ondo, Delta, Abia and Rivers states.

Over 30 police stations and posts were also razed during the attack on the men of the force by thugs who hijacked the #EndSARS protests.

Investigations revealed that policemen had been absent from the roads, street junctions, black spots and other strategic points for the past five days despite a directive by the IG.

Following widespread looting and arson by suspected hoodlums, the IG on Saturday ordered police commanders to immediately stop the anarchy across the country.

Adamu directed the immediate mobilisation of all police operational assets and resources to bring an end to the wanton violence, killings, looting and destruction of public and private property, and reclaim the public space from criminal elements.

According to a statement by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, the IG gave the order to all assistant inspectors-general of police, commissioners of police, heads of police operational units, squadron and base commanders in charge of zonal/state/FCT commands, the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Special Protection Unit, on October 24, 2020.

But almost one week after the order, most police officers and men have failed to resume for duty while only a few were seen on the roads.

Riot policemen, who were ordered to stop the looting by hoodlums, also did not show up during several incidents across the country. The military authorities had deployed soldiers to bridge the security gap following the refusal of the Mobile Police Force squadrons to respond to the attacks on private and public property.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said they had been advised to go about their duty “with discretion because our safety and security is not guaranteed.”
The officer noted that rank and file cadres were disappointed in the police authorities for keeping mute over the killing of policemen across the country, noting that they had not demonstrated good leadership.

He said, “An officer was beheaded in Anambra State and his body roasted and the video shared on social media. Nobody is talking about this. So, we don’t feel safe and would not obey any directive until the issue of our security is addressed by the police authorities and the government.”

Another senior officer stated, “People were allowed to break the law and they also killed security operatives. How can the IG ask us to reclaim the public space when our safety is not guaranteed? We have families too and our children are telling us not to risk our lives for nothing. Our family loves us.

“Do we still have human rights activists in this country? People were beheading policemen, roasting their bodies and putting it on social media, yet nobody is saying anything about it. If anyone calls me for distress calls, I would just stand on the road, I won’t go there (scene). After all, my salary would be paid.”

28 policemen killed in nine states in one week

Checks by The PUNCH on Thursday indicated that 28 policemen were killed in nine states during the violence that rocked the nation.

The Lagos State Police Command said six police officers were lynched while 36 were critically injured by suspected thugs. The command disclosed that 29 Divisional Police Stations and 17 police posts were razed by hoodlums disguising as protesters.


In Anambra State Police Command, four officers were killed, while 11 police stations and over 20 vehicles including patrol and exhibit vehicles and an Armoured Personnel Carrier were set ablaze on October 23.

According to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abang, the deceased officers include the Divisional Police Officer, Osumenyi Division, CSP Akpan Joseph, ASP Agu Michael, the station officer, PC Udegbunam Celestine and Inspector John Oche, who was beheaded and his body set ablaze. He added that two other officers were also injured.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Nwachukwu Enwonwu stated that six police officers were killed while five police stations were burnt on October 22.

In Ogun State, the Divisional Crime Officer, Atan-Ota police station, Augustine Ogbeche, was murdered by hoodlums while the station was razed. The Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that a civilian was also killed during the incident.

In Delta State, police Corporal, simply identified as Stanley, attached to the Ughelli Police Area Command, Ughelli, Delta State, was shot dead on October 8 while two policemen were killed in Ebonyi State on October 21.


Spokesperson for the police in the state, Loveth Odah blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra for the attack.

The Ondo State Police Command similarly confirmed the death of two policemen and a civilian in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protest. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bolaji Salami, explained that the two policemen were killed in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area and Ondo town, in Ondo East LGA, respectively.

According to him, the victim in Ore was mobbed, while the policeman in Ondo was killed and burnt inside his car.

In Rivers State, three policemen were also said to have been slain by IPOB members who hid under the #EndSARS protests.

The state commissioner of police, Joseph Mukan, revealed that the victims include Insp. Sunday Dubon attached to the anti-kidnapping unit, whose corpse was said to have been burnt; Sgt. Swawale Ornan, attached to 19 Police Mobile Force on Special Duty at Oyigbo, whose corpse was also burnt; and Sgt. Umunna Uchechukwu, of the Afam police station, whose legs and hands were cut reportedly off before he was burnt to ashes.

In response to the tragedy, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, had proscribed IPOB in the state and also announced N20 million compensation to the families of each of the soldiers and policemen killed by the group.

On its part, the Lagos State Government awarded scholarship to the children of the six police officers who died during the crisis in the state.

The state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed during a visit to the state police command headquarters that the scholarship is up to the university level.

In Abia State, the police spokesman, Geoffrey Ogbonna , said three policemen were killed by hoodlums during the crisis.

Blame your superiors for your problems, #EndSARS protesters tell policemen

A leading member of the #EndSARS protests, Dayo Ariyo-Atoye, said the police authorities should be blamed for the security threat the policemen were facing, noting that they (personnel) also colluded with their superiors to give thugs a free hand during the protests.

Noting that it was unfortunate that the operatives were facing threats to their lives, the activist said they were also complicit in the situation.

Ariyo-Atoye stated, “With specific reference to Lagos, it is the authorities that gave thugs a foothold and same authorities, either directly or indirectly told the police to stand down.

“Now that the situation has gone awry, the police are at the receiving end of what they created by allowing thugs to infiltrate the public in an attempt to dislodge the #EndSARS protests.

“It is unfortunate that policemen’s lives are being threatened. The situation the policemen have found themselves was the creation of their superiors, the police authorities and the government of the day who told them to stand down so that the thugs can go on rampage. The buck stops on the table of the IG who has created the situation the police have found themselves.”

Another activist, Kaka George expressed sadness over the high number of slain policemen, noting that the police need to speak out about what happened to their men.

The lawyer said, “What led to the death of their colleagues? They should come out and talk about it and seek justice as well. Everybody needs justice, the right thing should be done.”

Police leadership should rebuild confidence, mutual trust – Security expert

On his part, a security consultant, Mike Ejiofor, in an interview with The PUNCH, warned that there might be anarchy if the police officers failed to return to their duty posts, noting that they were needed despite their deficiency.

The former director, Department of State Services admonished the police leadership to embark on confidence-building measures, noting that the police needed to regain public confidence.

The lawyer also asked the Federal Government to emulate the Rivers and Lagos State governments which announced financial assistance and scholarship awards to families of slain police officers.

He noted, “Our police are bad but it is not every policeman that is bad, some are good. Now they have killed some of them in spontaneous reaction because of aggravated, accumulated grievances of the people to the actions of the police. What we need to do is to reassure the police that they belonged to us.”

Source:
https://m.punchng.com/news/Policemen-killings-IG-begins-commands-tour-force-admits-cops-morale-low

When your oppressor is the one supervising you, your freedom is in question. When the corruption and extortion is institutionalised, then a holistic restructuring of the system remains the only available option, otherwise, it returns to the business as usual but in an upgraded manner.

this should be addressed asap, the peace keepers are needed

We have good police officers out there, I have met a couple of them but the bad ones have succeeded in painting the whole NPF as monsters
I personally experienced their extortion and all firsthand and till date I still find it hard to see the good in the NPF but sadly we need them around

Rip to all the lives we lost though

When your colleagues were extorting and brutalizing the masses you people did not know abi

Mtchew



I have a 2003 camry for sale, check my profile to deal

Mheen! Their morales got really lowered. But the youths have been complaining about the brutality for years and nothing was done. Honestly, I really hope this brings a significant change once and for all when they resume so as for the nation not to experience this kind of calamity again. God bless Nigeria!

So it's been OK all this while for them to kill civilians in the name of law enforcement and chasing people, but once the tables turn for just a little bit they start crying... Good thing youths eyes have opened.

This week without much police presence has been a blessing. All our okada, keke, and other drivers can work in peace... at least until the police return to harassing us again.

B

28. That should be about the number they kill everyday.
I hope they have learnt their lessons.

It is part of the consequences of war. Police should respect themselves going forward and learn to be contented. Everytime people talk about how they re not highly paid. Those private schools teachers survive on far less salaries and they still behave well. Argue with your 10% battery life

OK oo

What about the people you killed during the protest or those ones that you have killed before ..? Nemesis cannot be avoided ..

Clueless Abuja IG

He should visit orile station where every thing started in Lagos.

For now police should work and patrol with the navy,army and air force till they regain there moral.

Under cover Intelligence unit should go to areas were police men were murdered and station burnt.They should go there and investigate and arrest all the hoodlums that killed and burnt police station..especially orile.

Lastly they should work with videos circulated online where police men were lynched,and arrest those involved.

We won't miss you. By the way, you have never responded to a distress call, you always come late and you arrest the victims so we are not missing out.

Though I felt bad for the men in uniform but let them be more organize n strategize in carry out their civil responsibilities. Police nearly become a demi-god.

Rip to those militaries, paramilitaries n civilians who lost their life in the course of making Nigeria a place of habitant.

RaptObserver:
It is part of the consequences of war. Police should respect themselves going forward and learn to be contented. Everytime people talk about how they re not highly paid. Those private schools teachers survive on far less salaries and they still behave well. Argue with your 10% battery life

be logic do dey work in odd hrs?

This was caused by their over the sky corrupt mannerism....Hunter became hunted...like Snoop Dog will say "Murder was the Case That they Gave Me"

State Aided Robbery Squad (SARS)

citizens have had low morale for years

they saw dead. police actually abused people's right

Police killed 4 people in my street alone without killing any single police officer.
And they were totally innocent protesters who police claimed they did not observed curfew opposed by state government.

If they won't resume duty then they shouldn't be paid salaries, how can you be paid for a work you haven't done, isn't that corruption?

Omojolaray:
be logic do dey work in odd hrs?

If we get our educational sector to work well, the police brutality will not be there and the consequent hostilities towards police will also not be there. Education is key.

Police brutality is a function of poor education from both policemen and citizens. Many policemen are not properly educated. They can't engage in a decent arguement without resorting to threats. Many can't even read and write especially their rank and file. Many citizens are also not enlightened to know their rights and duties. Since the government has chosen for 60 years to ignore education, the chicken have come home to roost. In some countries, their prisons are virtually empty. Thanks to responsible government they have.

He should be resigning actually

Government self no reason their matter, this also to show them that government no send them even if 500policemen die everyday

Sad

large gap exist between law enforcement agencies and the people. Their lifestyle differ from ours.only a fellow officer understand what their colleague passes through. most of their friends are fellow officers. A strong bond exist among themselves while a weak bond exist towards non police officers. They trust themselves so highly that they will never turn their colleague for an offense against non officers



It is like they are trained never to trust anyone beside themselves.

Young man on dreadlock is a cultist

Young Man on tatoo is a hard drug peddler

Young Man with expensive phone and laptop is an Internet fraudster

Youth who drives a flashy car is a ritualist


Their manner of profiling criminals makes an average young man a suspect. Whoever is suspected is harrased. The lack of respect for human right has led to the loss of trust from the youth. The experience or withness of violence whenever any youth encounters the men with red cap causes a long term distrust.


The youth do not want a change of name but a change in attitude. The confidence the youth have in the uniform men to has gone so low that it would take a consistent extra ordinary effort from them to win it back. The youth want the police to publicize the policies and procedures the police use. The youth want to know when an officer is free to use force. We want to know how to act so they do not have to legally apply force on us . We want a police force that is constantly trained in ethics and integrity. Detering officers should be punnished for violating this rules. punnished officers should have their names published .The youth want a police force that sees themselves as equal to others. We want a police force that talk to us calmly and politely. Shouts and insult raises anger . During monthly environmental sanitation excercise, police should not only punnish offenders. Rather men on uniform should join and pack the dirt . They should engage in other non enforcement activities with the community. This creates a sence of togetherness and not one of superiority. Gradually,the people would see the officer of the law as partners and not devil to be feared. This will ensure maximum coorpeation.




https://tobechispeaks./2020/10/17/we-want-the-police-we-can-trust/

How many have they killed.........

Can this window be used for total police reformation

Let all units and formations undergo retraining, health and psychological evaluation.

While that is ongoing, draft in NCDC and allow some paramilitary (Immigration, Customs) join them to oversee civil protection.

This will go a long way, if FG is committed to the desired change.

As condemnable as the act, I think the chickens have come home to roost.

We have watched times unnumbered where policemen arrested, harassed, detained and brutally killed innocent citizens. Such times have left in its wake a demoralized people, lacking trust in the institution that was meant to protect them.

Did the citizens not go about their legal responsibilities when the Police visited such wickedness on us?

I think the Police should go about their LAWFUL duties- desist from taking bribes, respond promptly to distress calls, avoid illegal detention and brutality...
If they don't,

The will lose many more.
What goes around, always comes around.