A representative of the DSS, Cliff Osagie yesterday applied before the NHRC hearing chaired by the Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, chairman of the governing board with Prof Bem Angwe, executive secretar in attendancey.
He also requested that testimonies of operative who were involved in the joint operation, be obtained within the premises of the service rather than in public.
He said a public hearing will compromise the security of the individual operatives, their informants and the nation because of the sensitive nature of their evidence.
Eight squatters were killed in a midnight raid by security agencies who claimed the victims were member of Boko Haram insurgents, a claim that has proved difficult to sustain.
The NHRC which is investigating the killings had summoned heads of the security agencies as well as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Asokoro General Hospital, leaders of tricycle Association, Human Rights organisation, Global Rights and the owner of the property were the killing occurred to appear at the hearing.
The killing occurred on September 20, in Apo district of Abuja. The victims were migrant workers mostly tricycle drivers. and other squatters killing eight persons Twelve others were wounded and similar number arrested. Some of those arrested were later released and banished from Abuja.
The squatters said they were not members of the terrorist group and that they may have been attacked due to an alleged eviction controversy with the owner of the property. The security agencies could not provide evidence that they came under attack during the operation.
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