The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has condemned continued vandalism of police and other security facilities across Nigeria.
The condemnation was contained in a communique on Saturday in Abuja, issued at the end of its 1st Annual Dialogue for the Business Community in Zone 7, comprising Niger and the Federal Capital Territory.
The dialogue which was organised by the Corporate subcommittee of the PCRC, had as its theme: “Corporate Organisations in Community Policing Nigeria.”
The communique was jointly signed by Rev. C. Sally and Amb. Austen Yong, Head Rapporteur, as well as Deputy National Secretary, PCRC, respectively.
It said that with the police and other security agencies seemingly becoming vulnerable to attacks by hoodlums, it had heightened fears of insecurity among citizens.
The participants expressed serious concerns of human rights abuses by men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
They also cited cases of first hand experiences, and hoped that the police would respect the relevant provisions of the new Police Act that entrusted them with promoting and protecting human rights.
The participants hoped that funds contributed to the Police Trust Fund, in line with Section 26 of the Act, would not be abused.
“ But, believe that operators of the fund will be subjected to the strictest scrutiny in line with the provisions of sections 27-30 of the Act.”
They also pledged continued financial, logistics and material support for the police, in line with her needs assessment, to support in the fight against crime and return the country to safety.
The participants were unanimous in commending the PCRC for initiating the dialogue process.
It called for continued engagements that would incorporate host communities and the media, for better and far reaching results.
They also called for more assistance for the PCRC to continue with their good works.
The participants commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for assenting to the Police Act 2020.
They noted that the new Act was a departure from the 70 year old colonial Act, with new innovations that made it pro- people.
“There is need for enlightenment sessions on the Police Act 2020, so citizens will know their rights and how, and to whom they will channel infractions by the police.”
They, however, urged citizens to be vigilant in collaborating with the police against crime and criminality in their environment.