From Nnaya Eziyi, Umuahia
Gov Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State
The Abia State government has set up a 16-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry into allegations of extra-judicial killings and brutality by security agents in the state from 2015 to date.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu inaugurated the panel which is chaired by a former chief judge (CJ) of the state, Hon Justice Sunday Imo (Rtd) at Government House, Umuahia, the capital.
The terms of reference of the panel which is expected to submit its report in 12 weeks include to investigate all forms of police brutality, extortion and intimidation in the state within the period.
He said the turn of events of the ENDSARS protest was unfortunate in view of the collateral damage and urged the youths to restrain from further protest as the government has noted their demands.
The governor, who regretted the level of destruction of public and private property during the protest pointed out that he would mobilize the youths in rebuilding them through direct labour.
Responding on behalf of other members, Imo assured that the panel would carry out the assignment with all diligence considering the importance of the assignment.
He thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and assured that the panel which included the chairman of the state council of the NUJ, Comrade John Emejor will not fail the state.
