To be released

Abuja

20.12.24

CLEEN FOUNDATION DECRIES ATTACKS ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS

To thrive in a sane society surrounded with the cloaks and fabrics of riot, individuals must exercise restraint from perpetuating an uncivilized acts such as “jungle justice” in its many forms.

As a civil society organization committed to the protection of human rights, justice, and public safety, we condemn the violent attack on the Ondo Police Station and the assault on police officers by commercial motorcyclists, in a recent video that went viral. The attack not only jeopardizes the safety of security personnel but also threatens the peace and stability in the country. Such acts of violence undermine the rule of law and highlight a growing mistrust between residents and security forces. It is crucial for authorities to address the root causes of this discontent, which may include perceived injustices in policing practices.

Violence and any form of physical assault on law enforcement officers who are performing their duties go a long way to undermine the authority of the law and create unnecessary rifts between the public and the institutions that are tasked with maintaining order. It is of importance that we, as a people, understand that the use of violence is not the best response to grievances.

Factors contributing to these attacks include public frustration with perceived inadequacies in law enforcement, incidents of police misconduct, and a lack of mutual respect. While it is crucial for security agencies to uphold high standards of professionalism and accountability, it is equally important for citizens to engage constructively with law enforcement.

Our Prayers:

• Express your right to peaceful assembly appropriately: Every Nigerian has the right to voice concerns and demand justice. However, this right must be exercised peacefully and in accordance with the law. Aggression or Mobcracy only escalates conflicts and impedes efforts to strategically dialogue
• The Responsibility to Uphold the Rule of Law: While citizens have the right to express dissent, it is their responsibility to do so in a manner that is peaceful, lawful, and constructive.
• Engagement Through Legal Channels: If any group, including commercial motorcyclists, has grievances with government policies or law enforcement practices, we encourage them to seek peaceful dialogue and use legal channels to address their concerns.
• Civic Responsibility and Accountability: As citizens, it is our collective responsibility to contribute to the peaceful coexistence of our communities. We must remain vigilant against actions that threaten public order, support the enforcement of laws, and encourage others to do the same. We must also hold accountable those who perpetrate violence, as the law applies equally to all.

There is a need for proper reorientation of Nigerians to understand that resisting arrest, acting uncooperatively towards security agents, or attacking them with firearms when on legitimate duty are unlawful. On the other hand, while there is a need for law-enforcement agencies to train and retrain, importance also has to be placed on intra and inter-agency cooperation regarding relationship with the general public.

Finally, CLEEN Foundation calls on all citizens to embrace peaceful parley with the Police and by extension all formal security agencies and adopt a community centered approach towards policing which encourages interactive partnerships between law enforcement agencies, their officers, and the people they serve. By developing connections within the community, police are better informed and empowered to solve public safety problems.

Thanks.

Peter Maduoma
Ag. Executive Director