Victims of police brutality in Taraba petition Osinbajo over compensation

Victims of police brutality in Taraba State have petitioned the  National Economic Council and vice President Yemi  Osinbajo over non-payment of  compensation to them.

In the petition made available to Daily Trust, the victims expressed dismay that several months after their petitions were attended to by the panel set up to hear complaints on police and other security agents’ brutality, they were not paid any compensation.

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The petition which was signed by Ali  Danladi, Osita Gabriel,  Pius Nyado and John K. Yonana,  on behalf of 47  other victims,  accused Taraba State Government of refusing to give financial support to Christopher Awubra-led panel to submit its report.

The victims called on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the  National Economic Council (NEC)  to compel Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku to release funds for payment of compensation to the victims of police brutality in the state.

The victims stated that they were disappointed with Governor Ishaku for his refusal to release funds to the penal of investigation as was done by other governors in states across the country.

“We are compelled to communicate to the office of the vice president office directly concerning our plights as victims because from all indications the state government is unwilling to give the panel the needed financial support to make the report ready for onward submission to the NEC and we do that because the vice president is the chairman of NEC,” the victims said.

The victims further stated that they were aware of the directive that emanated from the office of the Vice President,  directing state governments to submit the report of the penal of investigation.

The petition was also copied to the chairman,  National Human Rights  Commission.

“We noted with dismay that despite the directive for the submission of the report to NEC   Taraba state government is yet to submit the report,” the petitioners said.

The victims said the panel of investigation has completed its public hearing on petitions since May 17, 2021, but lack of funds could allow for the submission of the report to the National Economic council.

The senior special assistant on media and publicity to Governor Darius lshaku, Bala DanAbu, did not respond to text messages sent to him on the issue.