Niger miners’ deaths: Panel assures families of fair investigation

The Federal Government has established a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the deaths of 37 artisanal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The committee's chairman, retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, assured the victims' families that the investigation will be conducted impartially and thoroughly.

The team arrived in Niger State to commence their assignment following the panel's inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Kure explained that the committee's medical team has already initiated examinations to preserve evidence and establish the facts surrounding the incident. He emphasized the importance of preserving these evidences for understanding what went wrong and assigning responsibility where necessary.

Kure also assured that no person wrongly linked to the incident will face unfair treatment and that the committee would ensure fairness for all involved. Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State thanked the committee for their visit and expressed confidence in their ability to carry out the investigation. Governor Bago also acknowledged the seriousness of the situation for both Niger State and Nigeria.