Garki Market Incident: DSS Gives Update, Constitutes In- house Investigative Team, Visit Affected Persons
By Zakaa Lazarus, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday said it has constituted an in-house investigative team on the Garki market incident involving its staff.
DSS, in a statement issued by Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer said while the investigation is ongoing, the Service has visited the two injured persons at the different hospitals where they are receiving treatment.
According to Afunanya, the service “committed to the payment of the medical bills and made required deposits in this regard. To show sincerity of purpose at the time of the visits, the Service expressed readiness to move them to its world class medical facility in Abuja”.
It would be recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier issued a statement in respect of a 7th September, 2023 incident involving its Staff and some members of the public at Garki Market, Abuja.
The statement which read in part said “though these efforts are not, in any way, in admission of guilt (as investigation is yet to be concluded), the Service believes that the victims deserve empathy, financial support and justice. While it is in regular contact with their families or guardians, it will continue to follow up on their recovery and progress. However, the DSS reassures the public that the victims are upbeat and responding well to treatment.
“The public may wish to note that the Service has not interfered with the investigation of the Police which is also detaining its Staff suspected to be involved in the incident.
“The Service’s position is not only to ensure justice for the victims, but it is in line with its avowed commitment to transparency, accountability and rule of law. Nevertheless, updates of this nature will always be made available till the matter is finally resolved”.
