After listening to the touching story of Glory Bala, the Justice Christopher Awubra-led panel investigating rights abuses by security agents in Taraba State, yesterday, told the 24-year-old that her survival was divine.
The young lady, who was struggling for balance and strength amid tears, had narrated how she sustained gun injuries from police operatives during a wedding batch at Taraba Motel in Jalingo on October 8 this year.
According to her, a misunderstanding between some youths forced the guests to abruptly leave the hall for their various homes.
While others arrived home safely, hers was different, as she ended up in the hospital following a gunshot from the police officers that were trying to douse the tension.
“I was hit by bullet which pierced into my back. And it has affected my ribs,” she clarified.
She brandished an x-ray indicating that the bullet was still in her system after a surgical operation, stating: “The bullet is still inside my body.”
Bala added: “I am incapacitated to do anything.”
The victim, who said she is seeking “redress and N100 million compensation”, pleaded with the committee to ensure justice for her to assist her parents and siblings.
She said the unfortunate incident had pushed her into the labour market and made her life miserable.
During cross examination by counsel to the petitioners and panel, Dicken Daya Shintima, the respondent, DSP Mohammed Usman, denied knowledge of any shooting by operatives of the now disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) at the said venue.
Admitting there was crisis and officers were deployed at the hospital, Usman, however, claimed that the feuding youths were armed with dangerous weapons, including cutlasses and broken bottles.
Members of the panel, who were visibly emotional apparently due to the unsteadiness of the victim (as she staggered all through), eventually adjourned hearing till next week.
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.
