A coalition of civil society organisations and human rights activists in Edo State has criticized the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its members’ assault
And Adviser to Osun State Governor Erasmus Ikhide on April 11 in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo state.
Convener of the groups Austin Osakue, who spoke on behalf of the others said:
“While vehemently condemning this unwarranted assault on our colleague, we are particularly perturbed by the fact that:
Our senior colleague was attacked on the prompting of a political thug as a a comrade Ikhide went about the peaceful exercise of his constitutional right to vote.
The Police have up till now failed to effect the arrest of “these vandals in uniform.”
“We have therefore resolved to issue the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force a seven-day ultimatum to arrest the assaulters and commence their prosecution after due investigation.
“We have also briefed our lawyers to commence civil proceedings against the attackers and the Nigeria security and civil defence corps, NSCDC which we hold vicariously liable for the barbaric actions of its operatives.
“We finally wish to reiterate that Nigeria is operating a civil democracy and any acts that tend to depict the country as brutish and authoritarian will be resisted.”