The DSS assures the public that the victims are optimistic and are doing well with their therapy, nonetheless.
The Department of State Services (DSS) said on Thursday that the victims of the shooting incident in Abuja on September 7 deserve compensation and justice.
This was claimed by the DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, in a statement a week after reported shooting by DSS personnel at a man in a market in the nation’s capital’s Garki 2 neighbourhood.
According to him, the “Service believes that the victims deserve sympathy, financial assistance, and justice.”
“It will continue to monitor their healing and advancement while maintaining regular contact with their relatives or guardians. The victims are optimistic and doing well with treatment, the DSS assures the public, according to the statement.
The two injured people have been seen at the various hospitals where they are undergoing treatment, he said, adding that the Secret Service has formed an internal investigation team to look into the incident.
Additionally, the organisation “committed to paying the medical bills and made the necessary deposits in this regard.” The Service stated its willingness to transfer them to its top-notch medical facility in Abuja during the trips to demonstrate its sincerity of purpose. It could have done these things even if none of its employees were there.
See the full statement issued by the DSS spokesman below:
Update on the Garki Market, Abuja, Incident Involving DSS Staff
It would be recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier issued a statement in respect of a September 7, 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 the 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, an admission of guilt (as the 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 also in line with its avowed commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Nevertheless, updates of this nature will always be made available until the matter is finally resolved.
Peter Afunanya, Ph.D., fsi
Public Relations Officer
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Department of State Services
National Headquarters
Abuja.
14th September, 2023
