POLICE BRUTALITY: MASSES NOW FEAR POLICE MORE THAN UNKNOWN GUNMEN

In a society where peace and order are to be maintained by law enforcement agents, the very institution meant to protect lives and property has become a source of dread. The Nigerian Police Force, once perceived as the first line of defense against crime and lawlessness, has now become a symbol of unchecked brutality, daily harassment, and extortion. Today, many Nigerians, especially in the rural and suburban areas, fear the police more than the so-called unknown gunmen. This reality is tragic, disturbing, and utterly unacceptable in any nation that claims to be governed by the rule of law. A SYSTEM OF FEAR, NOT PROTECTION Countless citizens have harrowing stories of arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, beatings, and even killings. Medical professionals on emergency duty are stopped and extorted. Youths are profiled based on their hairstyles, phones, or mode of dressing. Riders are forced to produce receipts for their motorcycles or pay outrageous bribes. Traders are harassed, and co...