The Nasarawa State government yesterday said the withdrawal of appearance of seven Eggon lawyers from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry probing the killing of security operatives in Lakyo village would not affect the panel's work.
The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lagi Innocent, told reporters that the Justice Fola Gbadeyan panel would continue its sitting with or without the participation of Eggon people.
The lawyers on Wednesday alleged irregularities in the commission's proceedings.
Governor Tanko al-Makura constituted the panel following the killing of over 50 policemen and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) allegedly in an ambush by members of the Ombatse Militia Group (OMG) in Lakyo village, on May 7.
Some of the lawyers include Chief Ayas Bako Aya, appearing with Aliyu Anzewu and representing the District Head of Bassa, Chief Joshua Daudu and Ovye John, representing Eggon Communities in Barkin Abdullahi (B.A.D) and Randa.
Others are: Anthony Jatau representing the Ward Head of Eggon in Arutu village of Doma Local Government Area; Barr. Ayuwulu Baba Ayuwulu, representing Eggon Community, Kadarko in Keana Keana Local Government Area; Gambo P. Assiku, representing Eggon Cultural Development Association (ECDA) in Bassa Zarengi; and Barr. Harry Dan Anyuanbaga, representing Mada Community of Bassa in Kokona Local Government
However, Lagi described the action of the Eggon counsel and their clients as a shot in the foot.
Lagi said: "That they have willfully withdrawn on grounds best known to them means that they have shut Eggon people out of the fact-finding process. It means their own story would be told by persons other than themselves."
He added that the withdrawal was an indication that the counsel and their clients are not committed to the process initiated by the Nasarawa State Government to heal both fresh and old wounds inflicted on the people by series of violence leading to the massacre of over 50 security personnel in Lakyo on May 7, 2013.
He said: "They are not stating any provable point to warrant their excuses to leave the Commission. This is not a conventional court; it is a fac-finding mission. So, their excuses, all hinging on technicalities do not apply to such processes.
