PHOTOS: Tunji-Ojo, NSCDC commandant lead FG delegation to Niger state over deaths of 37 ‘illegal miners’
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, and Ahmed Audi, commandant-general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Wednesday led a federal government delegation to Niger state over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.
The delegation, comprising heads of agencies under the ministry of interior, visited Minna, the state capital, to commiserate with Umar Bago, governor of Niger, and the people of the state over the deaths.
The 37 victims were among scores of people arrested by the NSCDC during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. They subsequently died while in NSCDC custody in Minna.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. The NSCDC initially said a suspected disease outbreak may have been responsible, while survivors alleged that detainees were held in an overcrowded, poorly ventilated cell. Authorities have said medical and forensic examinations are being conducted to establish the cause of death.
The incident sparked protests in Minna, following which the state government imposed a curfew. The federal government has since ordered investigations, while the minister of interior inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee on September 22 to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence
The delegation was received by Bago, who expressed appreciation to the federal government for the visit and the steps being taken to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The governor also acknowledged measures initiated by the NSCDC, including the deployment of a high-level team to support the investigation.
The visit provided an opportunity for the federal government delegation to convey its condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, while receiving further information from the state government on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Babawale Afolabi, NSCDC spokesperson, said in a statement on Wednesday that the corps remained committed to a “thorough and conclusive investigation” and would provide the necessary institutional support to establish all relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Corps remains guided by due process and extant laws and regulations,” the statement reads.
“Where any breach of duty or responsibility is established, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law and established procedures.”
Afolabi said the corps expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and the government and people of Niger State.
He also reiterated the NSCDC commitment to professionalism, accountability, humane treatment and respect for human dignity in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
