The Federal Government of Nigeria has established a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the deaths of 37 artisanal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The committee, led by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Jonathan Kure, has assured the families of the victims that it will conduct a fair and independent investigation. This was made known when Kure and other committee members paid a courtesy visit to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna.
The committee chairman, Jonathan Kure, stated that the panel had arrived in Niger State to begin its assignment, given to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A medical team attached to the committee has already started its work, shortly after the panel was inaugurated. Kure emphasized that the early commencement of the medical examination was crucial to preserve evidence and establish facts that could help explain the circumstances surrounding the miners' deaths.
Kure promised the families of the victims that the committee would remain independent and handle the investigation fairly. The panel aims to establish what went wrong and determine responsibility where necessary, while ensuring that people who were wrongly linked to the incident were treated fairly. The committee chairman also expressed his condolences to the Niger State Government and the people of the state, describing the incident as a serious concern for both Niger State and Nigeria.
The committee's investigation will focus on unraveling what went wrong and apportioning blame where necessary. Kure assured that anybody who has been wrongly brought into the investigation would be treated fairly. The panel's findings are expected to bring clarity to the incident and provide justice to the families of the victims.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago thanked the committee for visiting the state and promised that his administration would provide the necessary support to enable it to carry out its work. He expressed confidence in the committee and its ability to conduct a fair and thorough investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of artisanal miners in Nigeria. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been criticized for its handling of the situation. The Independent Investigative Committee's report is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the miners' deaths and provide recommendations for future actions.
The committee's investigation is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and justice for the families of the victims. The government's response to the incident has been welcomed by many, who are hopeful that the investigation will lead to reforms and improved treatment of artisanal miners in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has set up a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
- The committee has assured the families of the victims that it will conduct a fair and independent investigation.
- The investigation aims to establish what went wrong and determine responsibility where necessary, while ensuring that people who were wrongly linked to the incident were treated fairly.
