Civil Society Organization Urges Respect for Human Rights by Amotekun Corps. The Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), a civil society organization, has urged members of the Southwest security network, Amotekun Corps, to uphold human rights while carrying out their duties.
Rafiu Lawal, the executive director of the conflict-prevention and peace-building organization, emphasized this call in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja.
BBFORPEACE conducted a one-day training session in Ibadan for Amotekun Corps personnel on the theme “Community Policing and Human Rights Protection,” aiming to address the issue.
“I implore the members of Amotekun to integrate human rights protection into their operations. Justice and fairness are foundational principles that affirm the dignity and value of every human being,” Lawal stated.
He stressed the importance of understanding communities, engaging in open dialogues with citizens, and a strong commitment to addressing their specific needs and concerns in community policing.
“This approach involves strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, fostering safer and more resilient neighborhoods,” Lawal added.
The objective of the training was to equip Amotekun Corps personnel with essential skills to comprehend and apply the existing human rights framework at local, national, and international levels.
“This training underscores the fundamental values that should guide the services of the security outfit. Community policing transcends mere strategy; it embodies a philosophy rooted in partnership, collaboration, and a shared vision for safety and well-being,” Lawal highlighted.
He emphasized the importance of treating every individual, irrespective of background, with dignity, respect, and fairness. Lawal also acknowledged the necessity of upholding the law while preventing law enforcement officers from abusing their authority or taking the law into their hands.
