The Senate Joint Committee investigating the killing of 10 people recently at Apo, commenced its public hearing on Thursday with an assurance that witnesses would be adequately protected.
Apparently aware that witnesses might find it difficult to come forward for the fear of security agencies coming after them, Senate President David Mark while declaring the hearing open assured them of adequate protection.
Mark again reassured that the Senate would not sweep any issue under the carpet as the committee would discharge its duties in the overall interest of the country without fear or favour.
The Senate President also stressed that it is the duty of all to assist security agencies in combating terrorism, saying it is not our way of life and should be tamed.
“I want to plead with all witnesses to come forward with facts. I want to assure them that the senate will give them adequate guarantee. I want to assure that we shall not sweep anything under the carpet and no single member of the committee has preconceived ideas.
“I want to urge here that before we engage in blame games and conclude on what happened on that day, let us hear from all sides before we conclude. If we go by rumours, we may not get the true picture of what actually transpired.
“Let us exercise restraints till all the facts are known by the committee. The senate and indeed the National Assembly will ensure that facts are not shrouded in secrecy and we shall encourage all witnesses to be frank.
“As Nigerians, terrorism is not the way we were brought up. We need to tackle the war on terrorism together and steadfast in the fight. The fight against terrorism has become complicated because they have international links.
“We underrated and under estimated it and despite the fact that some people don’t want to see Nigeria united, we must all unite to fight terrorism,” Mark said before the committee went into closed door session.
Sequel to the killing of 10 persons living illegally in an uncompleted building at the back of the Federal legislative quarters, Apo, Abuja, the Senate at plenary directed its joint committee on National Security and Intelligence and Judiciary to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of those said to be menial workers.
Speaking, the chairman of the joint committee, Mohammed Magoro also pleaded with those who may have useful information to come forward, reminding them that it is the only way the committee could get to the root of the matter.
His words, “we cannot manufacture any information. We shall ask questions from all those involved. Security agencies and stakeholders will appear before us and after we shall visit the site”.
It will be recalled that on September 22, security operatives claimed to be acting under information had raided the said uncompleted semi-detached twin duplex in search of ammunitions said to have been deposited there by Boko Haram.
While carrying out the search, exchange of gunfire ensued, leaving10 dead and no fewer than13 injured.
However, the spokesperson for the Department of State Security Service, Marilyn Ogar in a statement claimed the security operatives responded to gun attack by suspected Boko Haram members living in the building.
Ever since, criticisms have trailed the killing with well meaning Nigerians, civil society groups and opposition political parties calling for independent investigation into the killing.
The survivors claimed they are not Boko Haram members but menial workers. They also claimed they were staying in the building with the knowledge of the security guard who was said to be collecting N200 from each of them weekly.
Present at the opening of the public hearing were the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki; Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen, Azubuike Ihejirika, Director of State Security Service; Representative of the Inspector General of Police; Commandant of Civil Defense Corps and Director General of Human Rights Commission.
