Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has inaugurated a Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations by the Police especially the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) in State.
Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration in Government House Makurdi, Ortom said the establishment of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry follows the Resolutions of the Meeting of the National Economic Council held in Abuja recently.
The Governor said it is one of the measures taken to address complaints raised by the ENDSARS Protests across the country.
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Ortom said the on-going protests have challenged leaders of the country to rise up and demonstrate sincerity and commitment in tackling the challenges as a nation.
Ortom said part of the challenges include brutalities and other dehumanizing activities of the Nigeria Police as they deal wlth suspects and other members at the public.
“The protests have therefore provided us leaders with the opportunity to correct decades of illegalities and injustices meted on the people. It is against this background that we are today carrying out this very Important state function of inaugurating the Judicial Panel of Inquiry.”
Members of the Panel include Hon. Justice Adam Onum (rtd) as Chairman, Edward Yange Esq as Secretary, Josephine Haba and Mr. Moses Asoo as members.
Other members are a retired Commissioner of Police, Anthony Ogboji, Ityonongu JohnMark, Joshua Tiv and Joshua Tyoyer.
The panel has the following terms of reference; to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality, Human Rights violation or related extra judicial killings, evaluate evidence presented, other surrounding circumstances and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints.
The panel which has six months to conclude their assignment, also has the mandate to recommend compensation and other remedial measures where appropriate.
Ortom pointed out that the members have been carefully selected based on fair representation and merit and and expressed hope that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He therefore called on the panel to carry out thorough investigation into the reprehensible activities of the Nigeria Police in Benue State especially SARS by providing the opportunity for victims to come forward to testify.
Ortom said the Benue State Government will soon set up the Victims Support Fund to enable payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.
“Similarly, in line with the Resolutions of the National ‘ Economic Council Meeting of October 15, 2020, the Benue State Government will also set-up the Special Security and Human Rights Committee in due course.
He said the Committee shall monitor the activities of the Special or Tactical Units that may be established by the Nigeria Police.
He however, appealed to Benue people to cooperate with the Panel to carry out its assignment to enable them succeed.
Speaking on behalf of his members, retired Justice Adam Onum thanked the Governor for the trust to carry out the task and pledged commitment and fair hearing to all parties and thorough investigation of all complaints that would be brought to their notice.
