Crime
#EndSARS: Fayemi awards N7.4m compensation to 24 victims of police brutality
The Ekiti government on Monday presented a cheque of N7.4 million to 24 victims of police brutality and and abuses of human rights as an aftermath of the #EndSARS protests in the state.
Though the panel has not ended its sitting, the state government said it must register its deep concerns and willingness to compensate victims without delay.
Governor Kayode Fayemi who presented the cheques of over seven million naira in total at his office in Ado Editi, said his administration remains committed to ensuring justice is ensured and enhanced in good time.
“Given the seriousness of the situation our administration decided not to wait until the end of the six months tenure of the panel before we begin to implement some of its recommendations,” Governor Fayemi explained.
The Governor also apologised to the victims for the pains and losses recorded.
He said beyond the compensations, institutions must be strengthened for rights to be enhanced and protected.
“We have identified three major intervention areas in this regard. These are law reform, policy change, and institutional strengthening. My administration recognizes that enforcing the right of victims requires efficient institutions without which our laws and policies may not be sustained,” Fayemi noted.
Recall that on October 20, 2020, many Nigerians took to the streets in many parts of the country to protest against police brutality, while calling for the disbandment of the now defunct Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
In line with a presidential directive following the #EndSARS protests, Ekiti — like other states — had set up a judicial panel to probe police brutality and other related human rights violations.
According to NAN, the state government presented cheques of various sums totalling N7.4 million to the first batch of petitioners, following the recommendations of the Cornelius Akintayo-led judicial panel.
The Ekiti State Government on Monday began compensation of victims of police brutality and abuses of human rights as an aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.
Though the panel has not ended its sitting, the state government said it must register its deep concerns and willingness to compensate victims without delay.
The Chairman of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Other Matters, Justice Christopher Akintayo, explained that some of the compensations go beyond monetary offers as some victims are recommended for employment based on their peculiar cases.
Akintayo stated that police officers were also on the compensation list as some fell victims of the #EndSARS protests.
Some of those compensated are relatives of departed victims, some who suffered physical injuries, police officers and journalists among others.
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