FG warned before Ombatse killings, state govt says

This was contained in a memo submitted by state government at the public hearing of the judicial commission of inquiry investigating the May 7 murder of security operatives in Alakyo, near Lafia, the state capital.The state government said the president was formerly written to twice, first on January 15 before the ill-fated operation, and second […]

This was contained in a memo submitted by state government at the public hearing of the judicial commission of inquiry investigating the May 7 murder of security operatives in Alakyo, near Lafia, the state capital.
The state government said the president was formerly written to twice, first on January 15 before the ill-fated operation, and second on May 10, after the operation in Alakyo.
State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagi Innocent, who presented the memo with prominent Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana appearing for the government as lead counsel, said no replies were received to the three correspondences.
He also said he would have “done more” if he were to be in such offices, when he responded to cross examinations later.
Lagi said: “For every minute that justice is not brought in this matter, none of us, not the state government, not the Nigeria police, not the SSS, not the president is not guilty of non action.”
The state government gave a list of incidents involving the group, alleged snatching of guns and ammunitions, as well as operational vehicles from security operatives.
“Investigations reveal that Ombatse militia group is a group of all militants with its head in person of one Dogo Anda, a cripple who resides on top of Eggon Hills in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, who provides the concoction administered by Baba Alakyo, their most popular flag bearer,” the memo said.
The Attorney General also testified that the ill-fated operation was the outcome of his own advice as chief law officer of the state, and the approval of the State Security Counci.
He said the operation was to involve soldiers from the 177 Brigade of Guards Battalion in Keffi, but explained that he was not in the position to say why the military pulled out inspite of the approval given by the security council.
The minutes of the council read at the hearing stated that there was logistic support prepared by the state government to cover the police, the SSS and the Army in the joint operation, provoking questions from members of the commission on whether Lagi was not aware that only the president is empowered by the constitution to give approvals of military operations.
He told the panel he was aware, but added that the security agencies were in a better position to answer why the military were named in the joint operation.
Chairman of the commission Justice Fola Gbadeyan said the commission would take evidence from the former commissioner of police and director of the SSS in the state, on their roles in the involvement of the military in an operation not approved by the president.