The Niger State Government has set up a committee of inquiry to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.
Governor Umaru Bago announced the probe in Minna, saying similar investigations had been initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC. He said forensic audits and autopsies would be conducted to establish the exact cause of the deaths and guide further action.
Bago said his deputy, Yakubu Garba, would chair the state committee, while Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, would serve as secretary. The governor also ordered the closure of the M.I. Wushishi Mining Site, directed experts to analyse the site and suspended the Niger NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, to facilitate the investigation.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Friday, September 18, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation. Idris said the Federal Government would not shield anyone found culpable, stressing that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life, dignity and safety.
Authorities have appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents to allow the investigations to proceed without interference. Governor Bago also directed residents, particularly youths, not to take the law into their own hands.
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