Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has disclosed that the recent deaths in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) were not solely related to illegal miners. The governor made this statement in Minna after attending a three-day fidau prayer for the repose of the 37 deceased individuals. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The fidau prayer was held at the Tunga Central mosque in Minna, where Governor Bago assured the parents and guardians of the deceased that the government would conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He stressed that the findings would be made public, and the government would probe deeply to determine the real causes of the deaths.
According to Governor Bago, preliminary information indicated that some people were already in detention cells before the newly arrested persons were brought in. The investigation would determine who was detained earlier, who was brought in later, and the identities and ages of those arrested. This would help to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The governor revealed that the government would adopt a holistic approach to investigating the incident and work with mining stakeholders to address activities around the area. He also announced that the government would provide palliatives and other forms of support to the families of the deceased, with the distribution to be supervised by the Emir of Minna.
Governor Bago emphasized that the government would enforce the ban on mining within the residential community, as the locations were not designated for mining. He pointed out that the government would also enforce responsible mining regulations and use its legal powers to prevent further mining activities in the area.
In a related development, the NSCDC has posted Mr. AS Kabara as the new Niger State commandant, replacing Mr. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who was suspended following the deaths of the 37 individuals. The Chief Imam of Tunga Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Salisu Isah Mai Dalalainu, led the prayer for the deceased, seeking Allah's comfort and mercy for their families.
Governor Bago also commiserated with members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Minna District Headquarters over the death of some of its members in a ghastly motor accident. He prayed for the repose of their souls and for God to grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses, assuring the church and families of continued government support.
Key points
- Governor Bago says an Igbo man detained for theft was among those who died in NSCDC custody.
- The government will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
- The NSCDC has a new Niger State commandant, Mr. AS Kabara, replacing the suspended Mr. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
