Is Nigeria police only for the rich?

This is the question many Nigerians are asking, taking into cognisance the killings going on across the country, especially around Abuja. Just recently, my cousin who works in Adamawa State alongside some colleagues were kidnapped by bandits on the Abuja road. They spent almost a week in the hands of the bandits and were only released after ransom was paid. 

In fact it has become a daily affair to see armed bandits along roads leading into Abuja. 

All these are happening without the police on ground. It is surprising that with the spate of insecurity across the country, many policemen are still deployed to guard the residences of government officials or to serve as

Orderlies.  In some cases, policemen are drafted to guard empty houses of top government officials both retired and those in active service, while the people are left at the mercy of vigilante members or

private security outfits.

Today, one cannot travel by road in this country without being afraid of attacks.  Government needs to reform the police and prioritise the people over a few rich individuals. 

Usman Santuraki is a public affairs commentator and wrote from No. 2 Santuraki