The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a resolution, calling on the executive Governor Hyacinth Alia to establish a judicial panel of inquiry on police brutality and extra judicial killings which is growingly increasing in the State
The House condemned in strong terms all forms of extra judicial killings by security personnel within Benue State and urged the State government to laise with relevant federal authorities to strengthen oversight, discipline and human rights compliance among security personnel serving in the State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker Zape Upaa revealed that the House also called on the Inspector General of Police to order immediate investigation into all reported cases of extra judicial killings in Benue State and ensure that culpable officers are brought to justice.
This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Makurdi South State Constituency Douglas Akya informing the House that there is a rise in cases of extra judicial killings of innocent citizens by security operatives in various parts of the State.
Stating that the most recent incident is the killing of one Fanen Kpentemem a mere suspect in a cybercrime by the Nigeria Police and unarmed mourners of Jato Aka by armed Military Men.
He further explained that Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to life, saying that the unlawful killings constitute a violation of the fundamental right to life and undermine the dignity of human lives as well as the credibility of security agencies thereby worsening insecurity in the State.
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Members who contributed expressed disappointment with the act by the security personnel and warned that the delay in addressing the menace by the Government could embolden erring officers, erode public confidence in government institutions and fuel unrest within the communities.
Also during Plenary the house called on the Benue State Government to come to the aid of Adum community by mobilizing the ministry of works to grade Adum road to enable the community have access to civilization as well as called on the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment to extend collaborative efforts to find a sustainable solution to the problem of gully erosion facing Adum community and other affected communities of Ogbadibo Local Government Area.
Two bills also enjoyed a second reading on the floor of the House during the Plenary, they are;
A bill for a Law to amend the Benue State College of Health Sciences And Technology, Agasha Law 2012 by Elias Audu of Gwer East State Constituency.
Mover of the motion Emphasized that the bill is not just a mere change of name but a strategic investment in the health sector and securing better improvement in healthcare services across communities of the state.
Similarly, A Bill to make Provisions for the Establishment of Benue State Skills acquisition Training Centres across the three Senatorial Zones for training of unemployed Graduates, Students and uneducated citizens also enjoyed second reading.
The bill was sponsored by Agbo Isaac Ochekliye of Ohimini State Constituency.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
