The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that no one found culpable in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State will be shielded.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement released on Friday while expressing the Federal Government’s condolences to the Niger State Government, the families of the deceased and the people of the Wushishi community.

The deaths occurred following the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.

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Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, stressing that the government’s responsibility is to establish the facts and ensure justice is served.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directed a full investigation into the incident.

“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter,” Idris said.

He added that the investigation would be allowed to establish exactly what happened and that appropriate action would be taken based on its findings.

“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” the minister said.

Idris stressed that while the Federal Government remains committed to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities, enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.

He appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

The minister also assured the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shares in their grief and remains committed to fully establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The minister’s visit comes as pressure mounts on authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees.

SEE ALSO: How Can 37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in Gov’t Custody? Nigerians Demand Answers

Tunji-Ojo is expected to meet with officials of the Niger State Government as part of his visit to the state.

He is also expected to proceed to the detention centre where the suspected illegal miners were held before their deaths.

The incident has sparked public concern and protests in Minna, with residents demanding answers over the deaths of the detainees while in government custody.

The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the incident, while the Niger State NSCDC commandant has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.

Details shortly…….

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded justice and transparency over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Atiku, in a statement posted on X on Friday, said he was “deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed” by the deaths, stressing that those who died were human beings whose families expected the state to protect their lives and dignity while in custody.

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He said no Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the fundamental right to life.

Atiku commended the Federal Government for suspending the officers under whose watch the tragedy occurred and ordering a full investigation, describing the action as an important first step.

However, the former vice president called for the investigation to be independent, thorough and transparent, with its findings made public.

He further demanded that anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence be held fully accountable.
According to Atiku, the families of the deceased deserve more than condolences, saying they deserve the truth and justice.

He also called for assurances that being held in government custody would never become a “death sentence,” while expressing sympathy with the bereaved families and praying for strength and comfort for them.

“My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray that God grants them strength and comfort in this painful hour, and that the truth is established without delay,” Atiku said.