#EndSARS: Oyetola Compensates Victims, Families of Police Brutality, Says It Is A Quest To Right Wrong Of Yesterday

The governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola on Thursday presented cheques of N53,290,000.00 as compensation to the families of victims of police brutality.

This is in compliance with the recommendations of the constituted Judicial Panel of Inquiry against Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Related Extra Judicial Killings.

Oyetola said the motive was a deliberate quest to redress the wrongs of yesterday and set the State on the path of true healing.

The victims and their families, some of whom were apparently still in grief received the cheques at the ante room of the executive chamber of the governor’s office in Osogbo

Speaking after the presentation of the cheques, Governor Oyetola said the gesture was a further testament to the commitment of the State Government to peace, fairness, unity, justice, equality, and indeed, the rule of law.

He said the government will continue to maintain peace, guarantee the security of lives and property of the citizens and advance the course of the security agencies through the provision of state-of-the-art security architecture.

He added that the State would spare no effort to create an ambience of peace and tranquility for the citizens across the nooks and crannies of the State.

“Our decision to pay compensation, which ordinarily is not the responsibility of the State, since the Police is not directly under our control, is a further testament to the commitment of our Administration to peace, and the rule of law.

“Let me however reiterate here that the list of all those that have secured judgement debts have been passed on to the federal government for necessary action, in line with the recommendation of the Panel.

“As an administration, we understand that no society can truly progress where the reign of injustice, inequality and lawlessness is encouraged to thrive.

“On behalf of the Government and our people, I passionately appeal to all those who are justifiably aggrieved for the wrongs meted to them in one way or the other to forgive and allow the next chapter of true and sustainable healing to open up for the good of all.

“I assure you that we are committed to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in fully implementing relevant reforms that would enable it play its role of maintaining law and order.

“Today’s event is a further testament to the commitment of our Administration to peace, and the rule of law. As citizens and officers of the State, let us reciprocate this gesture by continuing to relate with each other with the highest mutual civility, respect and understanding in the interest of sustainable peace and development.

“I salute the leadership of the Civil Society Organisations and youths for their understanding and tolerance over the years. I assure you that we will never let you down as a government in ensuring that we secure your future.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Osun, I express immense gratitude to the Hon. Justice Oladimeji-led Judicial Panel of Inquiry against Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Related Extra Judicial Killings for their impeccable services to the State”, he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Akin David Oladimeji, extolled Governor Oyetola for deeming it fit to compensate the victims despite the lean purse of the State.

Oladimeji who described the gesture as a right step in the right direction noted that the decision would further register confidence in the minds of the people.

While noting that police brutality still continued unabated, Oladimeji urged the federal government on police reform and other measures to forstall the impunity

The beneficiaries include: Sakariyau Kikelomo, Ibitoye Olakunle Teslim, Rahim Adetunji, Ibikunle Abosede, Adeola Paul Sunday, Olaosebikan Seye, Agbaje Mistura, Agbaje Adeboyega, omowumi Khadija, Olagoke Ibrahim Taiwo, Kehinde Hassan Adeola, Adeola Paul Sunday, Olaleye Ayisat Oluwatoyin, Gbadamosi Sullivan Olasunkanmi, Ajadi Dauda Olalekan and Mustapha Muideen Adewale.

Responding on behalf of other victims, Teslim Ibitoye, Gbadamosi Sulaiman, and Khadija Adebisi, who narrated their ordeals in the hands of police thanked the governor for fulfilling his promises.

The Panel was charged to look critically and painstakingly into cases of assault, illegal arrest, killings, brutality and other forms of rights abuse by the officers and men of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police.

It submitted its report to the government last year August.