The Police
Force Headquarters, in Abuja, yesterday, announced the composition of a special
investigation team to look into alleged cases of sexual abuses, exploitation,
harassments, gender based violence and professional misconduct on Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some camps in the North East.
The police
hierarchy said it became necessary following allegations contained in a report
of the Human Right Watch (HRW)against camp officials, vigilante groups,
soldiers, policemen among others, which accused them of sexually exploiting the
IDPs.
Consequently,
Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has directed Commissioners of Police in the affected
states where IDP camps are sited to beef up security and ensure adequate safety
of all IDPs.
Idris also
directed commissioners of police to ensure that perpetrators of any criminal
act are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.
The IGP also
called on HRW officials to provide the investigation team with necessary
information, evidence and proofs to enable them do a through job.
In a statement
by the force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah said a special investigation
panel is expected to carry out discreet and unbiased investigation into all the
cases of abuse and misconduct as alleged in the HRW report.
The IGP
charged “all police officers and other personnel deployed to the IDP camps to
strictly adhere to the rules of engagement.
“The Nigeria
Police Force assures all Nigerians and the international community that the
force will not condone any act that violate the human dignity of the IDPs by
individuals or group of persons in the IDP camps or anywhere in the country.”Sunnews
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