Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 artisans who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state. The incident has sparked widespread concern, and Governor Bago has assured the public that the government will leave no stone unturned in unraveling the truth.
A three-day Fida’a prayer was held at the Tunga Central Mosque in Minna, the state capital, to honor the deceased miners and console their families. Governor Bago attended the prayer session, which was also attended by prominent politicians, members of the State Executive Council, and traditional rulers. The prayer session was a gesture of solidarity with the bereaved families and a call for peace in the state.
According to Governor Bago, preliminary investigations revealed that some people were already in detention cells before the artisanal miners were brought in. He stated that an Igbo man who had allegedly been detained for stealing from his employer was among those who died. The government will investigate the identities and ages of those arrested and determine who was detained earlier and who was brought in later.
Governor Bago assured the public that the government will adopt a holistic approach in the ongoing investigation and work with mining stakeholders to address activities surrounding the area. The government will also enforce a ban on mining within residential areas and implement responsible mining regulations. The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, will supervise the distribution of palliatives and other forms of support to families of the deceased miners.
The Chief Imam of Tunga Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Salisu Isah Mai Dalalainu, led the prayer session and prayed for Allah’s comfort and mercy for the deceased artisans and their families. He urged residents not to allow the incident to become a reason for public unrest or violent protests. The cleric prayed for divine guidance and wisdom for Governor Bago and other leaders in the state.
Governor Bago announced that the curfew imposed following the unrest would be lifted after the night of the prayers to allow residents to return to their normal daily activities. He appealed to Minna residents and other Nigerlites to shun violence and maintain peace. The government will also reach out to survivors receiving treatment in hospitals and provide them with necessary support.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of artisanal miners in the state. Governor Bago’s administration has vowed to take a decisive approach to address the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future. The government’s response is expected to bring relief to the families of the deceased miners and the community at large.
Key points
- Governor Mohammed Bago has vowed to investigate the deaths of 37 artisans in NSCDC custody.
- A three-day Fida’a prayer was held to honor the deceased miners and console their families.
- The government will enforce a ban on mining within residential areas and implement responsible mining regulations.
