NSCDC admits spraying tear gas on petrol marketers in Anambra

The last is yet to be heard about the alleged spraying of tear gas on Chief Joseph Nwakpadolu, the Patron of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Anambra state by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Though the corps denied spraying tear gas on Nwakpadolu, it admitted its men used tear gas on IPMAN but was used to disperse the mob and was not fired on anybody in particular, the state Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Mrs Rajunor Egbe stated in an interview in Onitsha.
Egbe spoke while reacting to calls by a human right organization, Campaign for Democracy (CD) that the NSCDC tender an apology over the alleged assault on Nwakpadolu within seven days.

It is a lie; we did not spray tear gas on anyone. It is mere accusation. Rather they (IPMAN) came as a mob to attack us in the office because the NSCDC in collaboration with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) sealed-off some filling stations for selling above the approved pump price. Some were selling above N120.

When they came, they almost pushed down our gate. The tear gas was used to disperse the mob and was not fired on anybody in particular, Egbe explained.
However, a statement signed by the duo of Mr Vincent Ezekwueme and Mr Tobias Mmaduakor, the chairman and secretary of CD respectively, insisted that NSCDC used tear gas on Nwakpadolu.
The duo claimed that the assault had affected the eyes of the IPMAN patron, who is said to be currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Awka.

We are demanding among many things, the tendering of an unreserved apology to the victim and immediate investigation and prosecution of the assailant.
CD also demands for compensation of Nwakpadolu and a refresher course for NSCDC officials involved in the attack to serve as deterrent to others, the CD had said in a statement.
The group noted that Nwakpadolu had gone with some persons to the NSCDC headquarters in Awka to ask for the release of marketers who were arrested for selling petroleum products above the regulated price when the attacked occurred.