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.
Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the committee Thursday, saying it would determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish the exact cause.
The committee will be chaired by Deputy Gov. Yakubu Garba, while the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, will serve as secretary, according to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.
Bago said the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC have also set up their own committees to investigate the incident.
He said forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted on the deceased to establish the exact cause of death and guide further action.
The governor also disclosed that NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi had suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and his team to allow for a proper investigation.
Bago described the deaths as unfortunate and tragic and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
He said the state government was compiling a register of the affected families and would commiserate with them, while appealing for patience as investigations continue.
Bago also ordered the closure of all illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi mining site and said experts from Abuja would be invited to analyse the site.
He warned that anyone who violates the closure order would be prosecuted and urged residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to investigate the incident.
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