FG sets up 10-member panel to investigate Dldeaths of 37 miners in Niger

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the scene in Niger State where 37 suspected illegal miners tragically died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as part of their efforts to preserve evidence for investigation. Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu inspected the scene alongside Niger State Governor Umar Bago and other security officials.

Disu emphasized the necessity of keeping the scene safe, clean, and free of any alterations before the investigation concludes. He stated, “We have to keep the place safe, we have to keep it clean, we have to ensure that nothing is removed and nothing is added in the scene of the incident.”

Following demonstrations and riots sparked by the deaths, the IGP noted that the situation had returned to calm after the governor declared a curfew. Disu appealed to residents to maintain peace and assured them that the investigation would be transparent, with no relevant information being concealed. “We assure them that nothing will be kept out from their knowledge, we will not hide anything, and we will be transparent,” he said.

The Federal Government has appointed individuals including Adeyanju and Chiroma to investigate the incident. The police are collaborating with the state government, the NSCDC, and other security agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Disu added that the governor has also established a committee to assist in this investigation.

The miners died following their arrest at an illegal mining site in the state. Governor Bago earlier indicated that several factors, including overcrowding and possible poisoning, were being examined as potential causes. Preliminary autopsy findings revealed that some corpses displayed burns, peeling skin, foaming from the mouth, and blood stains.

The state government has suspended mining activities across Niger pending further investigation, while the Federal Ministry of Mines has assembled a team of scientists and laboratory experts to delve into the matter. The deaths have also led to demonstrations and attacks on public and private property, prompting the governor's curfew imposition.