The Enugu State Government has inaugurated a 7-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the killings and destruction of property in Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani local government council by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Inaugurating the commission of inquiry at Government House Enugu, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi charged the members to unravel the circumstances surrounding the dastardly act with a view to bringing justice to all concerned in line with section 4(1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 24, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.
The Governor tasked the commission to among other things ascertain the remote causes of the bloodbath and destruction of property, investigate and ascertain the number of persons killed, injured and their identities as well as the extent of the security forces involvement in the act.
They are also to ascertain the property destroyed, their owners and the values and recommend appropriate measures to be taken to forestall future occurrence, among others.
Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the commission, Hon Justice Chukwuma Ene JSC (retired) said that with the wealth of experience of the members justice would be done in line with the rule of law.
He thanked the governor and the people of Enugu State for the trust and confidence reposed on them.
The membership of the commission is as follows: Hon. Justice Chukwuma Ene JSC (rtd) as chairman, Major General Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd), Prof. Uchenna Nwagha, Prof. Osita Nnamani Ogbu and Anthonia Nkemdilim Ugbene-Mgbachi as members.
The Terms of Reference is as follows:
1. To ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the recent bloodbath and destruction of property in Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.
2. To examine in detail the involvement of the Security forces in dealing with the situation before and after the bloodbath and destruction of property.
3. To investigate and ascertain the number of persons killed or injured in the disturbances and their identities.
4. To ascertain the properties destroyed, their owners and the value of such properties.
5. To identify person (s) or group of persons who either by acts or omissions were directly or indirectly involved or connected with or sponsored the violence, killings of people and destruction of property.
6. To make recommendations regarding persons whom the Commission blame in connection with the violence, killings and damage to property.
7. To identify all communities in Enugu State where the herdsmen live and graze their cattle.
8.To ascertain the conditions under which they occupy the grazing areas they live and graze in, including their relationship with their host communities.
9. To recommend to the Government on the procedure to be followed by herdsmen intending to graze their cattle in the State.
10. To recommend appropriate sanction/punishment for those who violate the conditions recommended.
11. To recommend prosecution for all those identified to have been involved in the killings and destruction of property in Nimbo or breached their lawful duties by not preventing the bloodbath and destruction of property.
12. To recommend appropriate security measures (including carrying of picture IDs by herdsmen and other security guidelines) that will prevent a future occurrence of the bloodbath and destruction of property.
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