Niger govt probes deaths of 37 suspected miners

The government of Niger State has initiated an inquiry into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Forensic examinations and autopsies are being conducted to ascertain the precise cause of their demise. Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, announced this in a statement released on Thursday.

The committee overseeing the investigation will be led by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, with Maurice Magaji as the secretary. The State Security Service, police, and NSCDC have separately established committees to probe the incident. The NSCDC Commandant-General suspended Suberu Aniviye and his team to permit a thorough investigation.

Governor Bago expressed sorrow over the unfortunate and tragic loss of life, promising to investigate the matter and bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. The government is also creating a roster of the victims' families and intends to communicate with them throughout the investigation. A ban has been imposed on all illicit mining activities surrounding the M.I.

Wushishi mining site, with violators facing prosecution. Experts from Abuja have been summoned to inspect and analyze the mining site. The governor implored residents, particularly young people, to remain composed and refrain from meting out justice themselves. Amnesty International had previously petitioned for an impartial investigation into the deaths, urging authorities to ascertain the circumstances of the arrests and the detention conditions.

It also demanded justice for the victims and their families, stating that any accountable party should face the full force of the law.