“Justice Must Prevail”: Walin Ganye Commends IGP’s Swift Action Over Sapele Police Killing, Calls for Calm

Nigeria has once again been thrown into mourning following the tragic killing of a citizen in Sapele, Delta State, allegedly by a trigger-happy police officer — an incident that has sparked outrage, grief, and renewed national conversations about professionalism and accountability within the nation’s security architecture.
Reacting to the unfortunate development, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the International Peace Commission, Alhaji Sadiq Mohammed, Walin Ganye, has commended the Inspector-General of Police for what he described as a “swift and commendable response” toward addressing the incident.
Speaking with correspondents of The Pioneer Newspaper, the revered elder statesman expressed deep sadness over the killing, noting that the primary responsibility of the police is the protection of lives and property, not the endangerment of innocent citizens.
According to him, every civilized society thrives when law enforcement agencies operate within the boundaries of professionalism, restraint, and respect for human dignity.
“The duty of the police is to protect lives and property. Officers are expected to investigate, apply due process, and act with professionalism before taking any action. The tragic incident in Sapele is painful and condemnable,” Walin Ganye stated.
He, however, praised the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under the Inspector-General of Police for moving swiftly to address the matter, stressing that prompt action in moments like this helps restore public confidence and assures citizens that misconduct will not be tolerated.
The respected peace advocate further warned against acts capable of escalating tension, urging Nigerians — especially the youth — to remain calm and law-abiding while allowing the authorities to carry out a transparent investigation.
Walin Ganye emphasized that justice, fairness, and accountability remain essential pillars for national peace and unity, adding that security personnel must constantly be reminded that the weapons entrusted to them are for safeguarding citizens, not terrorizing them.
“Nigeria can only move forward when justice is seen to be done. Our security agencies must continue to build trust with the people through discipline, accountability, and respect for human life,” he added.
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
The incident in Sapele has continued to generate reactions from civil society groups, community leaders, and human rights advocates, many of whom are demanding stricter measures against police brutality and the reckless use of firearms by security operatives.
Observers believe the tragedy serves as yet another sobering reminder of the urgent need for deeper reforms, improved training, and stronger psychological evaluations within the nation’s policing system.
As emotions continue to rise across different quarters, stakeholders say the pursuit of justice and institutional accountability will be crucial in preventing future occurrences and preserving public trust in the nation’s security institutions.