- * Says Injured Victims Receiving Proper Medical Care At The Service Expense; In Touch With Their Families
- Re-affirms Pledge Not To Interfere In Police Investigation of Cause of Fracas
By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief) @CelestineOkaf11
Following a recent altercation, a week ago, on September 7, 2023, between its Operative and some members of the public at the Garki Market, Abuja, the Department of State Service (DSS) has announced the fulfillment of its earlier promise to probe the incident and resolve issues amicably.
The Service informed, on Thursday, that it has constituted an in-house investigative team on the matter. It also disclosed that while the inquiry is ongoing, the Service has visited the two injured persons during the market encounter at the various hospitals where they are currently receiving treatment.
Not only that, the Service said itbis is committed to the payment of the medical bills of the victims and have made the required financial deposits in this regard at the time of its visits to the hospital, ostensibly to show its deep empathy and sincerity of purpose to the recovery of the injured persons.
Reputation Managing Officer of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunnanya, in a brief update on Thursday evening, September 14, 2023, hinted that the authorities of the Service was ready to ensure the movement of the patients to its world class medical facility in Abuja for proper care, adding that It could have undertaken these actions even if its staff were not involved.
Afunnanya however explained that the DSS was undertaking these efforts not out of any "guilt, (as investigation is yet to be concluded), but as a demonstration of good faith and believe that the victims deserve empathy, financial support and justice".
The DSS stated that while the Security Service is in regular contact with their families or guardians, it will continue to follow up on their recovery and progress. It, however, reassures the public that the victims are upbeat and responding well to treatment.
Dr Afunnanya also urged the public to note that the Service has not interfered with the investigation of the Police which is also detaining its Staff suspected to be involved in the incident.
"The Service’s position is not only to ensure justice for the victims, but it is in line with our avowed commitment to transparency, accountability and rule of law. Nevertheless, updates of this nature will always be made available till the matter is finally resolved", Afunnanya said in the statement. NNL.
