The Ekiti State Government on Monday began compensation of victims of police brutality and abuses of human rights as an aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.
The state government presented cheques of various sums totalling N7.4 million to the first batch of petitioners, following the recommendations of the Justice Cornelius Akintayo-led judicial panel.
Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, who presented the cheques at his office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, apologised to the victims of police brutality for the hurt and negative psychological effects of their experiences.
He said his administration remains committed to ensuring justice is ensured and enhanced in good time.
“Given the seriousness of the situation our administration decided not to wait until the end of the six months tenure of the panel before we begin to implement some of its recommendations.
“My administration recognises that enforcing the rights of victims requires efficient institutions without which our laws and policies may not be sustainable. The judiciary and the ministry of justice are important institutions in this regard.
“May I once again formally apologise to all the victims of human rights violations as recognised by the judicial panel, for the hurt they experienced and the loss suffered.
“It is my hope that this monetary compensation will contribute to repairing your financial loss and other psychological and physical injuries that you may have suffered. Please accept my very best wishes.”
The governor said beyond the compensations, institutions must be strengthened for rights to be enhanced and protected.
Akintayo, Chairman of the Ekiti Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Other Matters, explained that some of the compensations go beyond monetary offers as some victims are recommended for employment based on their peculiar cases.
Akintayo stated that police officers were also on the compensation list as some fell victims of the #EndSARS protests.
A total of 24 petitioners were compensated in this first batch.
Some of those compensated are relatives of departed victims, some who suffered physical injuries, police officers and journalists among others.
