By Ayodele Oni
Ekiti state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has decried the brutality and harassment by officers of the Civil Defence Task Force, (CTU) a special security set up to arrest menace of crime on the state.
The task force is made up of officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC).
The CTU task force has been accused of invading rented apartment of some affluent individuals especially students and stopping them randomly on the highway to extort money from them.
State chapter of NANS cried out on Tuesday decrying “relentless and unjust harassment of Ekiti students by the Civil Defence Task Force (CTU) under Commander Bala leadership. This egregious abuse of power will no longer be tolerated.”
It said in a statement signed by Asaolu Samuel NANS JCC chairman; Olahoke Ayo Ami, Secretary and Olubodun Johnson, PRO, that “The CTU actions have created a toxic atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and vulnerability among students, making us feel unsafe and targeted in our own state.
“Arresting and confiscating students’ phones for no valid reason is an outrageous infringement on our fundamental rights.
“Is it a crime to dress well or own property in Ekiti State? Must students be harassed for expressing themselves? The CTU warped priorities have turned them into perpetrators of injustice, rather than protectors of the people.
“We warn the CTU to cease their provocative actions, which threaten to incite chaos and destabilize the state. Commander Bala deliberate harassment of innocent students will no longer be tolerated. His actions reek of desperation and a blatant disregard for human rights.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained Ekiti students, and an end to the CTU oppressive tactics. The Ekiti State Government must intervene decisively and reorient the CTU on their duties.
“NANS Ekiti will not stand idly by while our members are victimized. We will mobilize all necessary resources to protect our students and ensure justice is served.
“To the Ekiti State Government, we say enough is enough! Ensure the CTU respects students rights and freedoms. We will not be silenced or intimidated.
“To Commander Bala and the CTU, we say, stop your reckless harassment and focus on genuine security concerns. Your actions will be met with fierce resistance from NANS Ekiti.
“We urge the public to join us in condemning the CTU actions and demanding a safer, more just environment for Ekiti students.
“The Ekiti State Government to intervene immediately and provide the CTU with a comprehensive orientation on their responsibilities, emphasizing the protection of citizens rather than exploiting them. Specifically, we demand that the CTU cease charging Nigerian students and seizing their hard-earned wages.
“Commander Bala, we implore you to take swift corrective action and instruct your officers to refrain from these unjust practices.
“The Ekiti State Government must ensure that the CTU operates within the bounds of the law and respects the rights of all citizens, including students.
“We request that the Ministry of Information and Values Orientation, under Rt. Hon Taiwo Olatubosun, facilitates this process and ensures that the CTU actions align with the state government agenda for human capital development and youth empowerment
“Together, we will fight for our rights, protect our future, and hold accountable those who seek to undermine our dignity.”
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