The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has led a Federal Government delegation to Niger State to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The minister described the incident as deeply regrettable and unfortunate, assuring the state government and families of the deceased that the Federal Government is committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended pending a full-scale investigation into the incident. The NSCDC has also directed key officers involved in operations in the state to appear before its investigative panel.
The Minister assured that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, with appropriate action to be taken based on its findings. He also commended the Niger State Government for its handling of the situation and expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to putting measures in place to prevent a recurrence.
Responding, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, thanked the Minister for the visit and assured the Federal Government of the state’s cooperation in efforts to establish the circumstances and actual cause of the deaths.
Governor Bago has confirmed that forensic, medical examinations and autopsies are being conducted to determine the scientific cause of the deaths.
The Federal Government has appealed for calm as investigations continue, stressing that the facts must be established before conclusions are reached.
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