Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has pledged that his Government will pay the sum of N190 million for compensation to victims of police brutality in the state as recommended by the judicial panel of inquiry set up to investigate the #EndSARS protest of 2020.
The Governor made the promise at a meeting with The state youths on Friday, at the Government House, Benin.
He noted that the panel has done it part and has submitted a report to compensate the victims which he has agreed to comply with.
“I set up a panel to investigate cases of police brutality against the people. The panel has done its work and submitted its report.
“I have accepted that we will pay those who were victims, not waiting for anybody, not even the Federal Government”, Obaseki said.
He narrated that, “The panel recommended compensation to be paid to victims totalling N190 million, while the amount of judgment sum recommended being enforced was N98 million.
The Governor also assured the youths that his administration will change the “face of governance” which will be through constant dialogues.
“We promised that against all odds, we will change the face of governance and this will only be possible through frequent and constant interactions”, he said.
He further stressed that the Police also needs to be adequately paid and be engaged in constant training.
“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.”