Niger miners’ deaths: No one culpable will be shielded, FG assures

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that no one implicated in the deaths of suspected illegal miners held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State will be spared from accountability. This assurance was provided by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement released on Friday.

Idris extended condolences to the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community, and the families of the deceased. The victims were apprehended during enforcement actions aimed at curbing illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto area of the state. Idris emphasized that a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation was essential, stating that the government's duty was to discern the facts prior to attributing blame.

He emphasized that shielding any individual found to be responsible would not be entertained, while cautioning against premature conclusions. Idris affirmed that safeguarding the lives, dignity, and fundamental rights of Nigerians was a solemn obligation for the Federal Government. Immediate actions were taken following the suspension of the NSCDC Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who also directed a thorough investigation into the incident.

The swift response by the Interior Minister underscored the gravity with which the Federal Government perceives this matter. Idris assured Nigerians that the investigation would ascertain the precise sequence of events, and the government pledged to implement appropriate measures based on the findings. Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), called for accountability over the deaths, asserting that individuals found responsible through misconduct or negligence should be fully held responsible.

He emphasized that the families of the deceased deserved the truth and justice, advocating for an independent, thorough, and transparent inquiry. The NSCDC is conducting forensic examinations, medical evaluations, and autopsies to determine the cause of the deaths, which occurred after the arrest of suspected illegal miners on September 15 and 16.

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had perished in NSCDC custody, and ongoing investigations were examining the suspects' condition at the time of arrest, their detention period, detention conditions, and the medical care provided.