ABUJA – Senate of the Federal Republic has directed its Committee on Police Affairs to invite the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to brief the lawmakers on the circumstances leading to Monday killing of seven police officers at the Galadimawa Roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, who gave this directive yesterday, during debate on a motion sponsored by the Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North), in which he lamented proliferation of military and police checkpoints in the major roads in the South-East, said the police affairs committee has not briefed the Senate on the incident.
Saraki, who urged the chairman of the committee to meet with the IGP to find out what happened, noted that the Senate has always mourned the death of innocent Nigerians each time there is an attack, pointing out that the Senate should not sweep under the carpet the death of those who put their lives on the line to protect Nigeria.
He said the Senate should investigate the killings with a view to putting measures on ground to end future occurrence and to know how the Senate can assist the families of those they left behind.
Saraki further condemned the killing of the security officers by unknown gunmen.
“I observe that we have not taken this issue of the SARS police officers that were killed on Monday in Galadimawa Junction.
“I think as a National Assembly, as much as we pay attention to ordinary citizens that lose their lives either by one action or inaction of the police, we all should be seen to also protect and be there for those that protect our lives.
“I will like us to please find out what happened as regards to these seven police officers that were killed, the circumstances and how we can also show our commiseration with the families, as well as whatever needs to be done so that police officer and all of them know that we do care and appreciate what they are doing. Please let us have a report by next week”, he stressed.
In his response, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Abu Ibrahim (Katsina South), said the committee had already invited the IGP to appear before it Tuesday next week to brief it on the protest by some police officers in Maiduguri, over unpaid allowances.
He said “The Committee on Police Affairs invited the IG to brief us on these killings and what happened in Maiduguri and it is going to be on Tuesday”.
Similarly, the Senate also resolved to probe the untimely death of a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Miss Angela Linda Igwetu, who was reportedly shut by a police officer and a died subsequently of bleeding.
This followed a motion moved by Kogi East senator, Aita Idoko, in which he called the attention of the senate to the killing of the corps member in Abuja a days to her date of pass out parade.
Ruling on this motion, the Senate President therefore, mandated its Committees on Youths, Health and Police Affairs to investigate the tragic incident and report back to the senate in two weeks.
In his presentation, Aidoko said, “Mr. President, I came under order 42 and 52 of the rules of the Senate because of the unfortunate incident that happened where a youth Corper was killed by a trigger happy policeman.
The lawmaker continued, “Mr. President from the onset, with the assent of the compulsory treatment of gunshot victims bill in December 2017.
Victims of gunshot and car accidents can now receive immediate treatment in the hospitals without police report.
“Mr. President, this was a bill that was passed and the President assented to it.
Despite this Mr. President, two nights ago, Miss Linda Angela Ikweto, serving in Abuja was allegedly shot by a trigger happy police officer.
“The deceased was to pass out from the National youth Service Corps, NYSC, programme today July 5, after a compulsory one year service in Abuja.
“Her place of primary assignment was at one company at Mabuchi, an outskirts of Abuja metropolis.
She finished work late 11pm Tuesday and, joined a few friends for a hangout in excitement of her expected pass out scheduled today.
“She left for home around 2:am Wednesday and was shot near Ceddi plaza around area 10, by a police officer who was well identified.
The bullet shot Angela on her side inside a vehicle and, she began oozing out blood.
“She was rushed to a hospital. But they refused to treat her until they see a police report.
Despite the fact that they saw the presence of some police officers. And while the deliberation was going on, Angela passed out”.
In his contribution, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa said, “I wonder the kind of trauma that her family will be passing through now as they were already preparing and expecting to welcome their daughter after the NYSC programme only to receive her remains. It could be quite traumatic”.
