The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned in strong terms the alleged extra-judicial killing of a Delta youth by police officers, describing the act as a gross abuse of power and a flagrant violation of operational rules.
The group, in a statement on Friday by its Delta State Chairman, Prince Maikpobi Okareme, said it was shocked by a viral video capturing the incident, which has since sparked outrage across the region.
PANDEF identified the principal suspect as ASP Nuhu Usman, accusing him of acting in clear breach of Force Order 237 and other regulations guiding the use of firearms by police personnel.
The regional body warned that such killings were unacceptable and must not be tolerated under any guise.
It, however, commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, for what it described as a swift response, noting that the internal probe and subsequent dismissal of the indicted officers showed a measure of accountability.
PANDEF further called for an expanded investigation into fresh allegations by the deceased’s mother, who claimed her elder son had earlier been killed under similar circumstances.
The group insisted that the matter must not be swept under the carpet, demanding that the case file be transferred to Delta State for proper prosecution.
While urging calm, PANDEF appealed to youths in the state not to take the law into their hands but to remain peaceful as authorities handle the matter.
“The sanctity of human life must be upheld at all times,” the statement added, stressing that justice must be served to deter future occurrences.
