Group Seeks Justice over Slain IRT Operatives in Taraba

By Alex Olise/

A solidarity procession was held in Lagos by a group seeking justice for three members of the Inspector General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) killed by soldiers allegedly protecting a kidnapper in Taraba State.

The procession organized by Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative also paid a solidarity visit to the IRT office in Lagos.

The group led by its president, Mr Samuel Eniola Adam, along with members all dressed in black top as early as 8 am moved from the Abule Bus Stop, along Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos chanting solidarity songs as they moved straight to the IRT annexe office where they were received by the IRT coordinator, CSP Phillip Rieninwa.

Adams described the killing of the three policemen who were on official duty as a cruel, barbaric and unacceptable act in this democratic era, as he called on the government to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to book.  

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for setting up a presidential panel comprising all the security agencies to probe the killing of Sergeant Usman Danzumu, Inspector Mark Ediale, and Sergent Dayihu Musa.

He promised that the group will still pay a condolence visit to the family of the slain officers.

Adams commended the effort of the IRT commander, DCP Abba Kyari, and his men for re-arresting the kidnap kingpin Hamisu Bala aka Wadume and other members of the gang.

“We are in solidarity with the IRT team led by DCP Abba Kyari may God protect and help them in discharging their duties,” he said.

Another member of the group, Mr Ade Adeniran, said that the development between the officers was unhealthy as each of them has a responsibility in serving the country.

He urged the federal government to quickly organize a security summit aimed at bringing synergy among all security agencies in the country so that such incident will not repeat itself again.

CSP Phillip Rieninwa thanked the group for their concern.

According to him, the condolence and solidarity visit showed that Nigerians are watching the role of the police in crime-fighting across the country.

He noted that the visit would go a long way to motivate and boost the morale of officers and men.

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