When protectors become perpetrators
Sir: The tragic killing of a young man in Delta State by a police officer is a deeply troubling reflection of a system that is meant to protect lives but
Sir: The tragic killing of a young man in Delta State by a police officer is a deeply troubling reflection of a system that is meant to protect lives but is increasingly perceived as a threat to them. When those entrusted with safeguarding citizens become the very agents of harm, society is forced to confront a fundamental question: what then is the purpose of law enforcement?
At the heart of every functioning society lies a social contract. Citizens surrender certain freedoms and place their trust in state institutions, particularly the police, in exchange for security, order, and justice. The police are empowered by the law to use force when necessary, but that power is neither absolute nor unchecked. It is bound by rules, ethics, and above all, respect for human life. When a police officer allegedly takes the life of an unarmed boy, that contract is not just strained, it is shattered.
Human rights principles are clear and universal. Every individual has the right to life, dignity, and security. The use of lethal force by law enforcement is only justifiable under the most extreme circumstances, such as when there is an imminent threat to life. Even then, it must be proportionate and a last resort. Incidents like this raise serious doubts about whether these standards are being respected, or even understood, within the ranks of the police.
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Beyond the immediate loss of life, the broader implications are profound. Each act of police brutality erodes public trust, not just in the police force but in the justice system as a whole. Communities begin to view law enforcement with fear rather than confidence. Witnesses become reluctant to cooperate, victims hesitate to report crimes, and the cycle of insecurity deepens. In such an environment, the effectiveness of policing is severely compromised.
It is not enough for authorities to issue statements of regret or promise internal investigations. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Anything less sends a dangerous message that some lives are expendable and that those in uniform are above the law.
Ultimately, this tragedy forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth. A police force that instils fear rather than safety undermines the very foundation of society. If the protectors of lives and property are perceived as destroyers, their legitimacy is called into question. The uniform, which should symbolize security and service, risks becoming a symbol of oppression and danger.
The path forward requires courage from authorities to admit shortcomings and implement reforms, courage from officers to uphold the highest ethical standards, and courage from citizens to demand accountability without resorting to lawlessness. The loss of one young life is one too many. It must serve as a turning point, not just a moment of mourning.
•Samuel Jekeli Abuja.
