Following series of allegations against the police and other security agencies of committing extrajudicial killings in Bayelsa State, the House of Representatives has invited the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, to appear before it and state the force’s side of the story.

The matter was raised on the floor of the House on Wednesday by Douye Biri, a Bayelsan lawmaker who said that there had been at least four cases of extrajudicial killings in the state in the last two weeks.

“In the last two weeks, the Nigerian Police Force Bayelsa State Command has shot and killed four innocent Nigerians.”

According to the lawmaker, some of the people killed include Innocent Kokorifa, Izu Joseph and Godgift Oduku.

Biri noted that “the Nigerian Police Force is a creation of law whose principal function is to protect and ensure the well-being of citizens and visitors who are within the territorial jurisdiction of Nigeria.

He added that in the discharge of its duty, the police force should display utmost “care and respect for human life,” as indiscriminate killings such could throw the society into avoidable crisis.

“In a situation where the people will be forced to defend themselves from attacks from the very police who have been paid by the taxpayers to protect them is not a welcome idea,” he said.

Nicholas Ossai, chairman of the House committee on Ethics and privileges, also told members of the House that he had received numerous complaints from members of the public about extrajudicial killings by security agencies.

He said that Nigeria should emulate other western countries where the lives of citizens are greatly valued.

Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, said that the police do not engage in extra-judicial attacks on citizens, adding, however that the IGP would act on the summons when he receives it.

Awunah said if any attack occurred that involved the police, the matter would be investigated and culpable officers be brought to book.