The Ondo State Government has condemned the alleged brutality by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) against a cooking gas vendor, Mr. Balogun Alaba, and his wife, a nursing mother, during an enforcement operation in Akure.
The condemnation was conveyed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Comrade Olufemi Akindele Lawson, who described the officers’ conduct as “unacceptable, excessive, and a clear departure from the principles of civil law enforcement in a democratic society.”
Lawson stated that while the state government recognizes and respects the statutory responsibilities of regulatory and enforcement agencies, including the NSCDC and relevant petroleum regulatory authorities, enforcement actions must not violate the rights and dignity of citizens.
“Law enforcement cannot, under any guise, be carried out through brutality against unarmed and law-abiding citizens. No regulatory objective, however legitimate, justifies physical assault or intimidation, particularly of a nursing mother,” the statement read.
The government reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of residents, stressing that enforcement must be lawful, professional, and humane.
“The current administration will not tolerate any action by law enforcement agents that threatens the safety, dignity, or lives of the people of Ondo State. Anything short of lawful and humane conduct undermines public confidence in our institutions,” Lawson said.
The statement also disclosed that the government had received reports alleging bribery and extortion by some NSCDC operatives during enforcement activities targeting retail gas operators.
The allegations, according to the governor’s aide, are deeply concerning and warrant immediate and transparent investigation.
The Ondo State Government clarified that it is not opposed to regulatory oversight or compliance measures in the gas retail sector.
It expressed support for lawful efforts aimed at ensuring safety standards, environmental compliance, and proper licensing.
However, it warned that enforcement must not become an avenue for harassment or unlawful enrichment at the expense of small business owners.
The government called on the NSCDC leadership in the state to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, ensure accountability where necessary, and review operational procedures to prevent recurrence.
“The protection of lives and property must remain the primary objective of all security agencies operating within our State. The people of Ondo State deserve safety, justice, and respect under the law, not intimidation and violence,” the statement added.
