The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged assault of two Nigerian truck drivers by security personnel attached to Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Limited in Ibadan.
The lawmakers also called for appropriate action to ensure justice for the victims and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents across the state.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the member representing Ibadan North State Constituency I, Hon. Comforter Olajide, during Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi.
Presenting the motion, Olajide explained that the alleged assault reportedly followed a disagreement over the parking of a delivery truck and compensation for a damaged tyre.
She disclosed that the Oyo State Police Command had arrested an Indian national associated with the company and two security operatives in connection with the incident, while investigations were initiated to establish the extent of their involvement.
The lawmaker maintained that the rule of law must apply to everyone, irrespective of nationality, corporate status, financial influence or position of authority. She stressed that no individual or organisation has the right to assault, intimidate or subject another person to degrading treatment.
Olajide further argued that disputes involving employees, contractors, transporters and visitors must be resolved through lawful means rather than physical force, coercion or unlawful punishment.
She noted that private security personnel are engaged primarily to protect lives and property, maintain order within their assigned responsibilities and report suspected offences to relevant authorities, not to take the law into their own hands.
Following deliberations, the House urged the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State to ensure a speedy, thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged assault and prosecute any suspect against whom sufficient evidence of wrongdoing is established.
The lawmakers also called on the Ministry of Justice to facilitate necessary legal support and access to medical care for the victims, while ensuring that appropriate compensation is pursued in accordance with the law where culpability is established.
The Ministry was further 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 Assembly also advocated stronger collaboration among relevant government agencies, companies, industrial establishments, employers’ associations and transport unions to protect workers’ rights, improve dispute-resolution mechanisms and ensure adequate training for private security personnel.
The House reaffirmed the need for individuals and corporate organisations operating in Oyo State to respect the rule of law, uphold human dignity and ensure that workplace disagreements are addressed through appropriate legal channels.
