
A student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Abdulyeken Abdulqoyum, has been tragically killed by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force, prompting calls for urgent government intervention and police reform.
The National Association of Nigerian Comrades (NANC), Kwara State Axis, has expressed outrage over the incident and has issued demands to the state government and the Kwara State House of Assembly.
In a statement released on September 10, 2024, Comrade Muhammad Adam Apalando, the Public Relations Officer of NANC, urged the Kwara State government to take immediate action within 24 hours, warning that failure to do so could lead to protests. The association has requested a thorough investigation into the incident, demanding that the perpetrator be held accountable and that the family of the deceased be adequately compensated.
“The tragic death of Abdulyeken Abdulqoyum has left the student community in grief,” Apalando said. “This senseless act of brutality should not go unpunished.”The NANC further called on the Kwara State House of Assembly to take legislative measures to curb police brutality and extortion.
Specifically, the association proposed the introduction of laws that would explicitly prohibit such acts and establish an independent body to investigate and prosecute police misconduct. They also emphasized the need for police training in human rights, community policing, and conflict resolution.
The association’s recommendations include:-
Defining police brutality and prescribing penalties for offenders.- Establishing a reporting mechanism for incidents of misconduct.- Protecting victims and witnesses of police brutality.- Promoting community policing to foster better relationships between law enforcement and the public.
Apalando noted that enacting these reforms could enhance public trust in law enforcement and promote accountability within the police force.
NANC has called for swift action from the government and the State House of Assembly, stressing that police brutality must be addressed to create a safer and more just society for all citizens. The association is prepared to escalate its response should the government fail to act promptly.