Police opens investigation into alleged IDPs’ abuse

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has set up a Special Investigation Team to immediately commence thorough enquiry into all cases of alleged sexual abuses.

Other issues include exploitation, harassment, gender based violence and professional misconduct on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some of North-eastern states contained in a report published by the Human Right Watch against Camp officials, vigilante groups, Soldiers and Policemen among others.

The IGP has expressed deep concern over the submissions in the report and has directed the Special Investigation Panel to carry out a discreet and unbiased investigation into all the cases of abuse and misconduct alleged in the report.

In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Don Awunah said, the IGP has called on Human Right Watch officials to avail more facts that will assist the Police investigation team conclude the inquiry into the alleged 43 cases mentioned in the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report.

“The IGP has also directed Commissioners of Police in locations where IDP Camps are situated to beef up security and ensure adequate safety of all IDPs and ensure that all perpetrators of any criminal act are decisively dealt with in accordance to the law”.

The statement further urged 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 will violate the human dignity of the IDPs by individuals or group of persons at the camps or anywhere in the country”.