From Molly KILETE. Abuja
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.”