TheCable

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to disband the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) of the police force.

In a statement released on Friday, the organisation condemned the “trigger happy, bloodthirsty extortionists” who have inflicted gruesome acts of brutality on the youth.

CDD called on the inspector-general of police, governors, legislators to listen to the demands of the citizens.

“CDD West Africa unequivocally condemns the brutality, extortion, murder and rape that the special anti robbery squad has consistently inflicted on the Nigerian youth. We call for the immediate dissolution of SARS and for investigations and punitive action to be taken against offending officers,” it said.

“It is disheartening that the very individuals entrusted to protect us have become trigger happy, bloodthirsty extortionists. We call on the IGP of the police to take swift action to #ENDSARS. We call on President Muhammad Buhari, who has been silent on this issue to perform his responsibility as the leader of this country — and respond to the youth who constitute over 50% of the voting populace who elected him.”

Buhari had directed the IGP to arrest erring police officers, but said a majority of the police force are diligent in protecting the lives of citizens.