The Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution for Victims of Police Brutality, set up by the Taraba State Government, says it has so far received 11 petitions.
Justice Christopher Awubra, the Chairman of the panel, said this at the inaugural meeting of the panel on Monday in Jalingo.
Awubra assured the public that the panel would treat testimonies by witnesses with utmost confidentiality, while guaranteeing the safety of those testifying before the panel.
He urged the public to present their complaints and petitions to the panel, with the assurance that at the end of the day, justice would be served.
“You are all welcome to this very important inaugural meeting of this panel. We had some logistic issues that have delayed our take off but they have now been addressed.
“Let me assure you that the lives of those coming to testify at this commission will be sufficiently protected, as the panel will not allow impunity or intimidation of anyone testifying here.
“Complaints, petitions, memoranda from the public are welcome. We have commenced sittings and we have pledged to look at all issues objectively and pursue justice with every iota of sincerity.
“If you have any issue that needs to be heard, we are here for you and we would take it up with the assurance that you will get redress,” he said.
The chairman said that due of the difficult geographical landscape of the state, the commission might consider having its sittings at some of the remote areas of the state.
Awubra said that this approach was adopted to avail the people, who ordinarily might not be able to make it to the state capital, of an opportunity to present their complaints to the panel.
He advised the people to submit their petitions in 10 copies within 10 days from Monday.
