July 22, 2024
The deplorable state of police barracks in various parts of Lagos and across the country has set many tongues wagging.
But the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) noted that it has unveiled plans to address the long-standing state of its barracks in the country.
In April, the NPF held its first Nigeria Police Housing Summit with the theme ‘Renewed Hope for Police Housing in Nigeria’ where the Federal Government pledged to establish a N100bn Police Housing Fund.
Several images that have gone viral on social media platforms showed large cracks in the walls, and leaking roofs with many of the buildings in the barracks trudging towards danger.
It was also learnt that most buildings in police barracks across the country lack basic amenities such as toilets and even potable water.
The deplorable living conditions of officers attracted widespread condemnation on social media platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter).
An ‘X’ user, @chiditweets042 using the hashtag – #NPFBarracksSeries – shared several photos of Police barracks in Lagos and other parts of the country in their deplorable state.
Some of the highlighted barracks included Ijeh Police Barracks, Obalende, Lagos; Nigeria Police Division Barracks, Oyo State; Police Barracks, Ikoyi, Lagos State; Kwara Police Division Barracks, Ilorin; Mobile Police Barracks, Adeke Makurdi, Benue State; Bonpai Police Barracks, Kano; Igbeba Police Barracks/Staff Quarters, Ijebu-Ode; Police Mobile Barracks and Mopol 8, Jos, Plateau State among others.
A user, Ogechukwu Chime said: “Politicians will build for themselves using N21b, and leave @PoliceNG in shabby quarters. Yet they will defend the politicians against fellow Nigerians fighting for good governance.”
Reacting, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on X (formerly Twitter) assured that all dilapidated barracks in Lagos and other states would be reconstructed.
He said: “We have commenced the process to address accommodation problems in the police. All the dilapidated barracks in Lagos (and in other states) will be reconstructed.
“The process of relocation of our personnel is ongoing so that we commence construction ASAP. It’s one step after the other.
“That’s why the IGP organised the first-ever Nigeria Police Housing Summit recently with a view to tackling these problems across the country.
“We are aware of the problems, and we are sensitive to the welfare of our personnel. We deserve to live fine, with dignity and high esteem.”
