In an attempt to bring lasting solution to various security challenges in Niger State, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello on Thursday inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate clashes in three local government areas of the state.
The Justice Mohammed Mohammed led panel is to investigate the recent military/communal clash in Kpadina village and environs in Bosso Local Government area of the state where eleven Soldiers and seven members of the communities were killed.
The other panel with Justice Abdullahi Mikail is to investigate the immediate and remote causes of civil disturbances that occurred in May this year in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of the state; Lamba village near Tunga Mallam in Paikoro Local Government area and in Barkuta village in Bosso Local Government area. Both incidences occurred last month.
Each of the panels has seven members and were given eight weeks to submit their reports.
Inagurating the panels in his office in Minna, Governor Sani Bello assured that government will not interfere in the affairs of the two Judicial Panels of Inquiry. He also assured members of the committees of government full support.
“I will like to assure you of government support. Government will not interfere in any way in your investigations or inquiries and if for any reason someone comes to you and say Mr. Governor said this or that, please know it is not from me. If I have any issue to clarify, I will discuss it with you directly,” he maintained.
The Governor noted that the panel of inquiry is expected to investigate the immediate and remote cause of the unfortunate incidences and to make recommendations on the measures and steps to be taken by the government to prevent further occurrences.
According to him, “the various incidences have happened and they are known to the public, all we just want to find out is the truth of what transpired so that we will mitigate against it from happening in the future”.
Governor Sani Bello who described the task ahead the panels as a very difficult one, expressed confidence in them and cautioned the panels to be thorough in their investigations, stressing that whatever decision they take will determine the future of the state.
Secretary, Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Pandogari crises, Alhaji Hamidu Usman disclosed that the area to be investigated is not limited to Pandogari alone but also to include Tungan Malam and Barkuta.
He said the seven-man committee has two months to submit their findings and have 10-point terms of reference.
Also the Secretary to the Judicial Panel to the military/communal face-off in Kpadina village and its environs in Bosso local government, Alhaji Musa Rogo Ibrahim disclosed that the seven man committee has been given eight weeks from the day of first public sitting and the committee has twelve terms of reference.
It will be recalled that Gov. Sani Bello in a state wide broadcast last weekend promised to set up judicial commission of inquiry to look into the various security challenges. A statement by Jibrin Baba Ndace, Chief Press Secretary to the governor said.
