By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has set up a four-man white paper Committee to critically look into the report of the State Judicial Commission of inquiry into killings, abduction and injury in Maza-Kuka, Adogon Mallam, Kulho and environs with a view to ensuring justice for all the victims.
Governor Sani Bello in a brief ceremony which took place at the Government House, Minna, on Wednesday, described the killings as heartless, saying 'nobody has the right to kill another person for whatsoever reasons.
"What happened or what is happening in some parts of Niger state is uncalled for. No body has the right to take someone's life for whatever reason. As long as their is no justice there will be no peace".
Governor Bello directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, and the State Attorney General, Nasara Danmallam, to ensure quick submission of the white paper report.
The Governor stated that the white paper committee is to be chaired by Dr. Jonathan Wasa, Permanent Secretary Youth Ministry, while Mohammed Wachiko, Permanent Secretary Investment and Ibrahim Bala, Permanent Secretary Human Resources, are to serve as members; Shafi'u Zakari, Director, office of the Secretary to State Government is to be the secretary of the Committee.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry's report was earlier submitted by its Chairman, Justice Danladi Ahmed who said the Commission, in the course of their assignment given to them, received ten memoranda.
According to the committee chairman, "The committee had 50 witnesses that testified, while 137 exhibits were admitted as evidence.".
Justice Ahmed highlighted some of the Commission's recommendations to include a Peace and Reconciliation Committee in Mashegu Local Government Area to engage with the residents of the affected communities with a view to finding a lasting peace.
Other recommendations by the Commission is for a total overhauling and proper organisation of the Vigilante Corps at the local level, and compensation for damages and losses be paid to victims of the attack.
The commission also recommended that those suspected and identified in the attacks be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for further investigation and prosecution among others.
Justice Ahmed thanked the Governor and other relevant agencies for the tremendous support given to them to ensure the success of their assignment.
Recall that Governor Bello had on the 3rd of November, 2021 set up a Judicial Panel to look into conflicting reports on attacks by armed men in Mazakuka, Adogon Mallam, Kulho among other communities in Mashegu local government area of Niger state where lives and properties worth several millions of Naira were destroyed and many others abducted. NNL.
