By Godwin Kingsley, Lafia The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to look into the May 7, 2013 massacre of security operatives in Alakio and other matters therewith, has submitted its report to the governor.
The report was submitted by retired Justice Fola Gbadeyan, Chairman of the Commission, at the Government House, Friday.
While presenting the report, the chairman of the commission disclosed that 534 people lost their lives including members of the Nigeria Police and the Department of the State Security Service in the crises that rocked the state.
According Justice Gbadeyan, the 534 people killed excludes the 143 individuals allegedly killed for which no formal evidence was availed to the commission to substantiate their claims.
He also revealed that properties worth 2.3bn naira were destroyed in
the course of the crisis.
The commission’s chairman also disclosed that a total of 22 memorandum was submitted to the commission, 89 evidences ,65 exhibit including CD’s and pictures were also tendered adding that 7 memorandum were withdrawn from the public hearing by the by their presenters for security reasons.
The Chairman on behalf of the 9 man committee thanked the state government and people of the state for their unflinching support in the course of carrying out their duties.
He added that “it is hoped that the findings and relevant recommendations of the commission would accord the demand of justice and at the same time help to enhance peaceful and harmonious co-existence amongst the over 30 diverse ethnic groups in the state”.
Responding, Governor Al-Makura commended the nine members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for ensuring that the report sees the light of the day.
He expressed his administration readiness to release a whitepaper into Agyaragu/Assakio and the Alakio report adding that the government will do its best to ensure that those reports are implemented.
