Miners’ deaths: Probe begins, NSCDC DG vows justice

A mining pit...Photo Credit: The Nation

The Independent Committee of Inquiry investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has commenced its investigation.

This comes as the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, assured that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable in the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State.

The 37 suspected illegal miners died after they were arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna, Niger State, on September 15 and 16.

The deaths were initially reported as 33, but the Niger State Government later confirmed that 37 people had died.

In a statement on Thursday, the committee’s secretary, Isa Chiroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the committee held its first meeting following its inauguration by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and adopted a work plan to guide its investigation.

He said the committee would visit all relevant sites, engage with government agencies, and interview survivors, suspects and other persons with material knowledge of the incident.

“In line with this work plan, the committee will visit all relevant sites, engage with relevant government agencies, and interview survivors, suspects and other persons with material knowledge of the incident,” the statement read.

It added that the committee would also obtain documents and other materials it considered necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The statement added, “The committee’s medical team has already begun work to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths.”

It appealed to members of the public to support its work, adding that it had resolved to invite memoranda from interested individuals and organisations.

It said details regarding the submission of memoranda, including the venue and date for physical presentations, would be communicated in due course.

“The committee reaffirms its commitment to conducting a thorough, fair, transparent and evidence-based inquiry, and will keep the public informed as its work progresses,” Chiroma added.

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Speaking when he paid a condolence and courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Umar Bahago, the families of the deceased and the family of the survivors, the NSCDC CG assured that justice would be done, adding that no official found culpable would escape justice.

According to a statement on Thursday by the NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC boss said the corps would prioritise justice and transparency in its response to the incident.

“The CG strongly condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence,” the statement read.

Audi also disclosed that the Federal Government, following a directive from the Presidency, had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident.

He said the NSCDC was fully cooperating with the committee, adding that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody to make them available for the investigation.

“The CG noted that the Federal Government, under the directive of the Presidency, has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident.

“The NSCDC is fully cooperating with the panel. Relevant personnel have already been placed in protective custody to make them fully available for a transparent investigation process,” he said.

Audi explained that his visit was also to join Muslim faithful in observing the third and seventh-day prayers for the deceased.

He said the prayers were significant for seeking the repose of the soul of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the families, the emir expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for his visit and the administrative steps taken following the incident.

He also commended the NSCDC for cooperating with the Presidential Investigative Committee and for personally identifying with the community during the period of mourning.