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General News of Monday, 12 October 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

SARS disbandment 'first step' to Nigeria police reforms - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says culprits will be brought to book President Muhammadu Buhari says culprits will be brought to book

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is only a first step to more reforms set to take place within the police force and other security agencies.

The president made the comment at the launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerement Scheme (P-YES) which is aimed at creating about 774, 000 jobs across the Local Government Areas (LGAS) of the country.

In a short message released via his official Twitter handle, the president indicated he has directed authorities to ensure the culprits responsible for the misconduct or wrongful acts must face the full rigors of the law.

"I will like to use this opportunity to not the recent genuine concerns an agitations by Nigerians about the excseeive use of force and in some cases extra-juducial killings and wrongful conduct of the men of the Nigerian Police Force."

He continued: "The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people.

"We also ensure that all those responsible for misconduct or wrongful acts face justice."

"We deeply regret the loss of life of the young man in Oyo State during the recent demonstrations. I have directed the authorities to investigate thoroughly the circumstances that led to his death."

"Meanwhile, it is important to recognise that the cast majority of man anf women of the police force are hardworking and diligent in performing their duties. The few bad eggs should not be allowed to tarnish the image and reputation of the force."

Meanwhile, protesters have taken the ongoing #EndSARS protest a notch higher after they blocked the toll gate at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos today October 12.

Despite the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)by the Inspector General of Police yesterday, protesters are not having it as they believe more should be done to guarantee total reforms of the police force.

The protest led to a standstill of vehicular movement in-and-around the airport.

According to reports, the protesters are demanding the unconditional release of all detained protesters, punishment for erring officers as well as compensation for families of victims of police brutality in the country.