The Federal Government has assured that anyone found culpable in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State will face justice.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement on Friday while commiserating with the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community and families of the deceased.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state on September 15 and 16.
Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the facts and determine responsibility.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
“The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” he said.
According to him, the Federal Government considers the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians a solemn responsibility.
He said immediate steps had been taken to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths following the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered a full investigation into the incident.
“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter.
“The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” Idris added.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, had confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody.
He said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths.
The NSCDC also constituted an investigative team to examine the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
The cause of the deaths has not been established.
Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, demanded accountability over the incident.
Atiku said anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held fully accountable.
He also called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation, saying the families of the deceased deserved “the truth” and “justice.”
Idris urged residents of Wushishi and other concerned parties to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, economic resources and the environment.
The minister, however, stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.
He condoled with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died.
