By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A Socio- Cultural Group, Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM), Worldwide has condemned the recent action by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) which resulted to the death of a tipper driver of Benin extraction, one Mr. Austin Esangbedo. while others sustained injuries.
In a press statement issued and signed by the Acting General Secretary and Director of Media and Public Affairs of the Movement, Comrade Ms. Esohe Adun and Comrade Aghatise Osagie respectively, warning that it would no longer condone such action by security operatives in Benin City, the Edo state capital.
The Movement statement reads, “We of the Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide are in mourning mood over the recent killing of a tipper driver of Benin extraction, one Mr. Austin Esangbedo.
“No congent reason has so far been given for the killing of the hapless man by trigger happy operatives of the Department of State Services(DSS). This has further dampened our spirit considering that there is no portion of the Nigerian constitution which approves killing of citizens for no congent reasons.
“The Benin Solidarity Movement BSM Worldwide frown at these killings of Benin cum Edo people with impunity by men of the security agencies. It is barbaric and wicked. Now the wife, children and other family members that Mr. Esangbedo left behind will suffer untold hardship as a result of the sudden loss of their bread winner.
“Needless to say that the BSM will never again take it when next a Benin man is killed by any security operative in such a manner.
“Our people deserve to live a life of abundance, peace and joy not minding the present economic setback that we are all going through. Resort to killing innocent people by overzealous security operatives for no reason will never again be condoned by the BSM.
“This sounds as our cry for justice as we are calling on the state government to go all out and endeavour that the late Mr. Esangbedo’s death is properly investigated and the guilty are served penalties.”