Senator Mark
The victims were shot dead on September 20 at a building under construction close to the Apo legislative quarters.
Twelve others were wounded and admitted in hospital while 12 more were taken into custody. One of those on admission in hospital died of his injuries at the weekend.
The State Security Service claimed they were Boko Haram suspects planning to carry out attacks in Abuja and that they came under attack when they went to make arrests.
But the killings drew nationwide condemnation with many respected citizens and rights groups insisting that innocent souls were killed for no justifiable reasons.
They also faulted the claim that they came under attack arguing that how is that after killing seven people on the spot, wounding 12 and arresting 12 others not a single weapon was recovered at the place.
The association of migrant workers in Abuja has risen in defence of the victims saying they were members of the association and were innocent.
Twelve others were wounded and admitted in hospital while 12 more were taken into custody. One of those on admission in hospital died of his injuries at the weekend.
The State Security Service claimed they were Boko Haram suspects planning to carry out attacks in Abuja and that they came under attack when they went to make arrests.
But the killings drew nationwide condemnation with many respected citizens and rights groups insisting that innocent souls were killed for no justifiable reasons.
They also faulted the claim that they came under attack arguing that how is that after killing seven people on the spot, wounding 12 and arresting 12 others not a single weapon was recovered at the place.
The association of migrant workers in Abuja has risen in defence of the victims saying they were members of the association and were innocent.
Speaking yesterday at opening of the hearing Senate President David Mark assured that nothing would be swept under the carpet to unravel the circumstances that led to the killings.
Senator Mark appealed to Nigerians who have facts about the Apo incident to freely volunteer information about the killings assuring that the committee is not out to witch-hunt anyone but purely on fact finding mission in order to address the problem and forestall future occurrence.
“There will be no biases; no sentiments and we have no preconceived idea. All we are interested in is to get to the root of the matter. We are approaching the matter with an open mind in order to get the facts so that justice would be done.
“This is not the time for blame game. It is time to find the facts. We must hear from all sides of the divide so that we can establish the truth and proffer solutions to the crises.” Senator Mark stated.
Committee’s lead chairman, Senator Mohammed Magoro (PDP, Kebbi), stated that the committee would do its job honestly, justly , fairly and with the fear God.
Among those who appeared before the panel yesterday were the Attorney General of the Federation and minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, minister of the Federal Capital Territory Bala Mohammed, and the National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.
Others expected to testify are the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Azubuike lhejirika, Inspector General of Police M.D. Abubakar and Director General, State Security Service Mr Ita Ekpeyong.
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