The Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has said that his government would comply with the State Judicial Panel of Enquiry’s recommendation and pay N190 million as compensation to victims of last year’s EndSARS protests against police brutality.
Obaseki made this known during a recent meeting with Edo youths on EndSARS at Government House, Benin.
He said his administration had agreed to comply with the recommendations of the panel.
He said: “I set up a panel to investigate cases of police brutality against the people. The panel has done its work and submitted its report.
“In summary, 117 petitions were received, 25 of them was struck out, while 10 were dismissed.
“The panel recommended compensation to be paid to victims totalling N190 million, while the amount of judgment sum recommended to be enforced was N98 million.
“I have accepted that we will pay those who were victims, not waiting for anybody, not even the Federal Government.
“There should be regular promotions for the police as at when due, enforcement of welfare package, training and re-training of police officers, upward review of salaries, yearly mental evaluation and quarterly test for hard drugs.
“We promised that against all odds, we will change the face of governance and this will only be possible through frequent and constant interactions.”
The governor doled out N1 million each to two victims of the EndSARS protest, Miracle Ailenokhoria and Ohima Steven. He however pledged keep paying for their treatment.
