By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said the families of police officers who were killed during the #EndSARS protest would be compensated from the N500million fund set aside by the government for victims of police brutality and injustice in the state.
The Governor who also promised to look into and grant the lists of requests put before him by the Police Command made the promises in an interaction with men and officers of the Police Force during a visit to the State Police Command, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Monday.
Makinde urged the officers to put behind them ugly events of previous weeks across the nation and work together with the state government and other stakeholders in building the people’s trust in the police while restoring orderliness and stability in the society.
Sympathizing with the police on the death of police officers, burning of police stations and other casualties, the Governor noted that his expressing support for the ENDSARS protest does not imply dislike for the police, rather a desire for a better society.
He said “We have to win back the heart of the people and the way to do it is to be professional in our conducts and I give you the assurance that, together we shall win back the trust of the people.
“I want to specially thank the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Police because Oyo state is a big state and vast with over 29,000sq/km and the size of some states.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to sympathise with the Command, you lost five policemen, also about 12 policemen were injured and you also lost five police stations that were burnt down and I want to say you are not alone, the government and good people of Oyo state are with you.
“We must look beyond the actions of thigs and hoodlums, who hijacked the legitimate protests and unleash mayhem on some members of the police force.
“Bear in mind that the protesters also include the Nigerian Police in the fight for five requests. They were asking for upgrades in the salaries in the Nigerian Police and better condition for service for the Police.
“We must all come together and join hands for a better society. It is time to put everything that has happened behind us and work towards nation-building. That I said I support the protest does not mean I am against you. I am for the protection of everyone’s right including the right of the officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force.
“So, we need your cooperation to ensure that arsonists, anarchists are brought to book and I am here to work with you to make the burden that you are carrying very light.
“I announced that the government has set up an initial N500million fund last week and I want to say that the families of policemen in Oyo state who were killed would be part of those to be compensated from the initial N500million fund.”
Earlier the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG in charge of the Southwest, Leye Oyebade, insisted that the role of the Police Force could not be outsourced and urged officers to be proactive, take charge and ensure a calm Oyo State.
Also, in their separate remarks the Commissioner of Police, Joe Nwanchukwu Enwonwu and the Garrison Commander, Nigerian Amry 2 Division, Brigadier General Adesoji Ogunsugba implored officers to stand against intimidation, follow the directive of the Inspector General of Police and fully occupy the space, adding that they could not abdicate their responsibilities
Highlight of the event was the decoration, by the Governor, of sixteen officers who were promoted to CSP and the inspection of the police barracks facilities and training college.
