Niger govt probes deaths of 37 suspected miners
Niger State Government Launches Investigation into Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners
The Niger State Government has established a committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The government also mandated forensic examinations and autopsies to determine the precise cause of death.
Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, announced the formation of the committee on Thursday. Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba will chair the committee, with Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji acting as secretary.
Governor Bago stated that the State Security Service, the police, and the NSCDC are also conducting separate investigations into the incident.
In a related development, the NSCDC Commandant-General has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, along with his team, to facilitate a thorough investigation.
Describing the deaths as tragic, Governor Bago expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and promised a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. The state government is currently compiling a register of the victims’ families and intends to maintain communication with them throughout the investigation.
Additionally, Governor Bago has ordered the suspension of all illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi mining site and warned that violators will face prosecution. He indicated that experts from Abuja would be brought in to examine and analyze the mining site.
The governor urged residents, particularly young people, to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the deaths, requesting that authorities clarify the circumstances of the miners’ arrests and their treatment while in custody. The organization emphasized the need for justice for the victims and their families, insisting that those found responsible should be held accountable to the full extent of the law.
