By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Government has set up a five-man panel to investigate alleged human right abuses in Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.

The panel, which is headed by former Minister of State for Health, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo, has Mr. Chris Usulor, Mr. Ray Nkama, and Barr Aleke Tobechi as members, while Barr Emeka Nwode is to serve as Secretary.

Inaugurating the panel on behalf of Governor David Nweze Umahi, the Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe, said state government frowned at human rights abuses in Amasirithat went viral in the social media recently.

He charged the panel to among other things identify persons remotely or otherwise involved in the dastardly act; recommend to government appropriate measures against the perpetrators as well as provide measures against future occurrence in Amasiri and other parts of the state.

The Deputy Governor, who explained that members were chosen based on their track records and integrity, urged them to submit interim report within seven days while final report should be ready in two weeks.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Cletus Ofoke, said the present administration is anchored on integrity and will not tolerate any form of Human Rights violations, and expressed confidence in the calibre of people in the panel.

Responding, the chairman of the panel, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo, lauded the state government for finding them competent to carry out the assignment and assured that the panel will deliver on its mandate.