The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged assault on two Nigerian truck drivers by security personnel of Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Limited, located in Ibadan, and ensure justice for the victims inorder to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the State.
The call followed a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Ibadan North State Constituency I, Hon. (Mrs.) Comforter Olajide, during wednesday plenary , presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi.
In her presentation, Hon. Olajide explained that the alleged assault reportedly occurred following a disagreement over the parking of a delivery truck and compensation for a damaged tyre.
She noted that the Oyo State Police Command had subsequently arrested an Indian national associated with the company and two security operatives, while investigations were initiated to establish the roles of the individuals involved.
The lawmaker stressed that the rule of law must be upheld irrespective of an individual’s nationality, corporate status, financial influence or position of authority, maintaining that no person or organisation has the right to assault, intimidate or subject another person to degrading treatment.
She further emphasised that disagreements involving employees, contractors, transporters and visitors must be resolved through lawful channels, rather than physical assault, coercion or other forms of unlawful punishment.
The lawmaker observed that private security personnel are primarily engaged to protect lives and property, maintain order within their assigned responsibilities and report suspected offences to appropriate authorities, rather than taking the law into their own hands.
The House however urged the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, to ensure a thorough, impartial and speedy investigation of the reported assault and prosecute any suspect against whom sufficient evidence establishes an offence, in accordance with the law.
It further enjoined the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the victims receive necessary legal support and access to medical care, while appropriate compensation should be pursued in accordance with the law where culpability is established.
The Ministry was also urged to collaborate with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen the monitoring of private security operations across the State and promote lawful procedures for handling suspected offences.
The lawmakers further advocated stronger collaboration between relevant government agencies, companies, industrial establishments, employers’ associations and transport unions to promote workers’ rights, effective dispute-resolution mechanisms and appropriate training for private security personnel.
The House reiterated the need for all individuals and corporate organisations operating in Oyo State to respect the rule of law, uphold human dignity and ensure that workplace disagreements are handled through lawful and appropriate channels.
