Masari sets up 11-member committee over Bakori, Kankara killings

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari has set up an 11-man Commission of Inquiry to unravel what led to the killing of more than 100 vigilantes, locally known as Yansakkai, by suspected terrorists in Bakori and Kankara Local Government Areas.

The vigilantes were reported to have lost their lives following a clash with terrorists who had rustled some animals at a community in Bakori.

But the incident was said to have spread into some communities in Kankara, a situation which led to the loss of more lives with scores of others injured.

While police confirmed the death of 41 persons, residents said more than 120 have died as they had continued to recover dead bodies days after the incident.

The setting up of the Commission of Inquiry is contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday by the director general, New Media, Al-amin Isah.

According to the statement, “The Executive Governor of Katsina State has in the exercise of powers conferred on him by the provision of section 5 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as
amended) and section 2 of the Commission of Inquiry Law CAP 29 Laws of Katsina State of Nigeria 1991 (as amended) and all the powers enabling him in that behalf. Has constituted and appointed a Commission of Inquiry to be known as (“The Bakori/Kankara Local Government Areas Banditry Attacks and Killings Judicial Commission of Inquiry”) with the terms of reference hereafter stated.

“The Commission shall with all convenient speed: Inquire into, investigate, and determine the actual cause or causes of the recent banditry killings and attacks in Bakori and Kankara Communities.

“Inquire into, investigate, and determine the actual lives and properties lost in the killings and to ascertain the persons directly affected by the incidence.

“Identify groups and/or individuals directly connected or involved in the disturbance and to ascertain the roles played by such groups or individuals in instigating, aiding, and or abetting the incidence.

“Make specific recommendations as to the appropriate action to be taken on those found to be responsible for the disturbances and suggest necessary assistance/aid to be required by the victims of the attack and families of the deceased victims.

“Make suggestions on lawful approach to self-defence by citizens.

“Make general or specific recommendations on long- and short-term measures to forestall similar future occurrences of such incidence in the State.”

The statement added that the Commission shall have Hon. Justice A.B. Abdullahi Judge of Katsina State High Court, as its Chairman, and Babangida Wagini as secretary.

Others are, AIG Danlami Yar’adua (Rtd); Dr Muhammad Bashir Ruwan-Godiya; Dr Binta Dalhat Dan-Ali; Ajodo U. Alexander Esq (Chairman NBA Funtua Branch); and Alh. Ibrahim Katsina, S.A. on Security to the Governor, as members.

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The rest are representatives of the Ministry of Justice, representative of Commissioner of Police, representative of Director, Dept. of State Services, representative of Katsina Emirate Council, representative of Human Rights Commission, as members, and Abdullahi Bara’u Faskari Esq. as Counsel to the Commission.

“The Commission shall have full powers and authority to hold hearings in public and or in camera and to receive oral or written evidence as the case may be.

“The Executive Governor direct that any Five (5) members of the Commission, one of whom shall be the Chairman, shall constitute its quorum.

“The Commission shall hold its first meeting in Katsina on 13th Day of February 2023 and thereafter at such place or places and upon such dates as the Chairman may determine.

“The Commission is to submit its report to the Executive Governor in Katsina within three (3)
weeks after the date of inauguration or within such extended period as the Governor allow in writing,” the statement added.

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