Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello says the “senseless killings” in some parts of the state was due to the inability of the government to adequately punish the perpetrators.
Bello said this when he inaugurated an eight-man judicial committee of inquiry into the recent killings in Mazakuka, Addogon Malam Kulho, and other communities in Mashegu local government area of the state.
The members of the committee are Justice Danladi Ahmad (Chairman), Hon. Kasimu Danjuma, retired Commissioner of Police Wakili Maye, retired Commissioner of Police Mohammed Danjuma, Barr. Moses Ciroma, Col. Abdullahi Kudu (rtd), Malam Yakubu Musa and Malam Zakari Shafi’i (Secretary).
“We must be able to do the right thing. Those taking laws into their hands must be seen to face justice in order to prevent others from executing similar senseless acts and ensure that it does not occur again in future”, the governor was quoted to have said in a statement by his spokesperson Mary Noel-Berje.
The committee’s terms of reference include: “to determine the remote and immediate cause(s) of the unfortunate incident; identifies person or groups responsible for the attacks; apportion blames to persons or groups found culpable and suggest appropriate sanctions.
It is also to determine the identity of the victims and their losses; advise the government on preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future as well as make other appropriate findings and recommendations.
The governor tasked the commission to exercise justice and fairness and do a thorough investigation and inquiry stressing that those found guilty must face punitive measures in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The committee assured that the commission will strive hard to ensure that it did not let the state down. He said members of the commission will inject their individual and collective experience in discharging the terms of reference of the assignment and achieve the desired results.
It has one month to submit its report.
