#EndSARS: Delta Govt Doles Out Palliatives To Pacify Victims, Families

By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe

Secretary to Delta State Government, SSG, Chief Patrick Ukah, has again frowned at cases of police brutality in the country, and gave firm assurance that the state government will do everything within its powers to checkmate ill-treatments and human rights abuses by law enforcement agents.

Delta SSG gave the assurance while speaking at the presentation of palliates in form of soft compensations to affected victims or their families in Asaba on Tuesday, saying that the state governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa led administration treasures fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and assured never to relent in its efforts to protect Deltans.

He urged heads of law enforcement agencies in the state to ensure that their men on duty at various locations adhere strictly to rules of engagement while discharging their assigned responsibilities, and to abstain from infringing on rights of citizens by applying minimum force as required by law; where necessary, and totally avoid the application of excessive force resulting in severe bodily harm and grave injuries.

Ukah disclosed that the panel set up by the state government treated all applications of police brutality, and recommended certain palliatives for victims who were able to provide substantial or convincing evidence of injustice, brutality and other forms of severe inhuman treatments.

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“The state governor made it abundantly clear when he addressed the ENDSARS protesters that this administration respects fundamental rights of citizens and have also made this facts known to heads of law enforcements agents in the state.

“What government gave to you as palliatives for the pains and agonies you or your loved ones suffered may not be adequate but it should be accepted and deemed sufficient in expressing our genuine concerns as a responsible, responsive and protective government.

“Police brutality and other unfair or inhuman treatments have been reduced drastically in the state, measures have been put in place to effectively curtail human rights violations and excessive use of force by law enforcement agents in Delta State,” government assured.