From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
CIVIL society groups in Bayelsa State have concluded plans to protest brutality and harassment of residents of Yenagoa by security agents.
The groups during a press conference addressed at the weekend by Chief Nengi James of the Civil Liberty Organization (CLO), Robinson Kughobogha of the Bayelsa Non-Governmental Organisation (BANGOF) and Dise Ogbise-Erhisere of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), lamented the assault on Mr. Tonye Yemoleigha. a staff of Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation and Ms. Philomena Briggs by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force and policemen respectively.
According to them, because of compromise by victims, previous cases of assault, brutality and harassment by security agencies had been swept under the carpet. This, they said, would no longer happen as victims are ready to lodge complaints with the civil society and testify in court to seek redress.
While expressing readiness to cooperate with security agencies to curb the excesses of some of their personnel, the conveners called on Bayelsans and residents of Yenagoa not to be afraid to report cases of brutality and assault by security agencies.