The Bayelsa Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality has awarded N21 billion to victims of extrajudicial killings against the police and other security operatives.
NAN reports that the Chairman of the Panel, rtd. Justice Young Ogola, made this known while presenting the report to Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa.
Ogola said the panel received 50 petitions and made recommendations based on their findings.
He also noted that out of the 50 cases, 11 police officers were recommended for prosecution, one for dismissal, four for demotion, while eight cases were struck out and two adjourned.
The Justice explained that the N21 billion was awarded in damages adding that the amount included compensation to communities razed down by the Nigerian Army.
Speaking, Governor Diri thanked the panel for doing a thorough job and promised within the limits of available resources and procedures to see how the victims will get a reprieve.
”I know that no amount of compensation will bring back some of the deceased but can serve as a source of relief for the families who have been aggrieved by the death of their loved ones.
“The N21 billion awarded is appropriate, but for the security agencies to pay is another thing.
”The issues you have raised will be looked into,” he said.
