The overzealous behaviour of some of Delta State Police Command’s operatives in Ekredjebor community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State was characterised as “condemnable and unacceptable” on Tuesday.
This was stated in a statement issued by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, in reaction to a viral video depicting the activities of the aforementioned officers in the Ekredjebor village.
While noting that the command is already aware of the video, the PPRO maintained that “the act of the officers concerned is condemnable and unacceptable”.
The video circulating online captured some policemen, who went to the Delta community for an operation, carrying planks and assaulting some people.
The police statement disowned the action of the said operatives, noting that “it is not in the command’s character to assault members of the public who we are supposed to protect”.
“More so, planks are not part of police accoutrements, and it is unprofessional of them to assault members of the public in whatever guise,” the PPRO further stated.
The statement affirmed that “the erring officers have been identified, and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Wale Abass, has directed the immediate detention of the officers, and internal disciplinary mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that they are punished in line with the extant laws as stipulated in the police act and regulations to serve as a deterrent to others”.
The statement read partly, “The CP, while condemning the malfeasance conduct of the officers, also urges members of the public to remain calm and assures them of the Command’s commitment to dealing with any officer who disregards the human rights of any person.
“To this end, members of the public are urged to call any of the following numbers and report cases of abuse to human rights or any other infractions by policemen of the command.
“The PPRO’s Office can be contacted through the following numbers +234 915 557 0008, +234 915 557 0007, or the Command Control Room via +234 803 668 4974.”