Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has promised to thoroughly investigate the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna. The governor made this pledge at a three-day Fida’a prayer held at Tunga Central Mosque, Minna, for the deceased. He assured the families of the victims that the findings of the investigation would be made public.
According to Governor Bago, the investigation aims to establish the actual cause of the deaths and determine the circumstances surrounding the detention of the victims. He emphasized that the government would probe deeply to get to the root of the matter. Preliminary information showed that some persons were already being held at the detention facility before the newly arrested suspected illegal miners were brought in.
The governor disclosed that the investigation would cover who was detained before the miners arrived, who was brought in subsequently, as well as the identities and ages of all those who died. He specifically mentioned an Igbo man who had allegedly been detained for stealing from his employer before the incident and later died in custody.
Governor Bago announced plans to provide palliatives and other assistance to the families of the deceased, while support would be extended to survivors receiving treatment in hospitals. The Emir of Minna would supervise the distribution of the assistance. He appealed to residents of Minna and other Niger State residents to remain calm and avoid violence following the incident.
A three-day mourning period was observed in Niger State following the incident. The Chief Imam of Tunga Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Salisu Isah Mai Dalalainu, led a prayer for the deceased and urged residents not to allow the incident to trigger further unrest or violence.
The curfew imposed after the unrest would be lifted after the night of the prayer to enable residents to return to their normal activities. Governor Bago emphasized that the government would adopt a holistic approach to the investigation and engage mining stakeholders as part of efforts to address activities in the affected areas.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for accountability and action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Governor Bago's administration has promised to take concrete steps to address the issue and provide support to those affected.
Key points
- Governor Bago vows to investigate the deaths of 37 persons in NSCDC custody.
- The investigation aims to establish the actual cause of the deaths and determine the circumstances surrounding the detention of the victims.
- The government plans to provide palliatives and assistance to the families of the deceased and survivors.
