The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has called upon the Nigerian government to take action against officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who allegedly assaulted a man accused of stealing the manhood of two individuals in Abuja.
According to reports, NSCDC officers reportedly beat the man severely at the national headquarters of the security organization in Sauka, Abuja, on suspicion of having stolen the private parts of two individuals.
A video circulating on social media captured NSCDC officers beating and brutalizing the man, while commanding him to “return it.”
In a statement released by AfAW’s director, Leo Igwe, the advocacy group urged the Nigerian government to arrest and prosecute all NSCDC officers involved in the assault captured in the video.
Igwe stated, “The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the Nigerian government to arrest and prosecute officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who assaulted a man for allegedly stealing the manhood of two other persons in Abuja.”
He continued, “They slapped him several times and hit him with sticks and hard objects. The man’s face was swollen, and blood was gushing out.”
AfAW contacted the NSCDC office via WhatsApp, and one of the officers responded with, “I hope you do not intend to drag the Corps to court over this video o?”
Igwe expressed his concern regarding the behavior of the NSCDC officers and their mistreatment of the man. He cited the officer’s response, stating, “Most Africans cannot separate themselves from their superstitious beliefs, traditions, and all such stuff.”
However, Igwe emphasized that this should not serve as justification for the horrific abuse and urged that the erring officers be penalized as a lesson to others.
He added, “The Advocacy for Alleged Witches calls on the government to arrest and prosecute all NSCDC officers who assaulted this innocent man in the video.”
Igwe concluded by stating that the NSCDC officers acted unprofessionally and against the law by failing to verify the allegations or ascertain the truth of the claims.
He urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that such incidents do not happen again and emphasized the need for reorientation programs for officers to act professionally rather than according to superstitions and beliefs.
| Sahara Reporters