DSS Set Up Panel to Probe Garki Market Incident

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has constituted an in-house team to probe the incident between its staff and some members of the public at Garki Market in Abuja on September 7.

On the said day an operative of the Service got involved in a civilian matter in the market where he fired some shots.

Though nobody was killed in the incident, some persons who sustained injuries are receiving treatment.

The operative involved in the incident is being questioned by the police while the Service carries out its own investigation.

Spokesman of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Thursday, offered to take over the treatment of those injured in the incident.

Afunanya said this effort was not an admission of guilt as investigation is yet to be concluded.

He said the Service believes that the victims deserve empathy, financial support and justice.

The statement reads: “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.

“This is to further inform the public that the Service has constituted an in-house investigative team on the matter.

“While the inquiry is ongoing, the Service has visited the two injured persons at the different hospitals where they are receiving treatment.

“It 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 could have undertaken these actions even if its staff were not involved.

“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.”