Government Sends Experts to Investigate Deaths of 37 Miners in Niger

The Federal Government has sent a team of mining and technical experts to Niger State. They are there to help investigate the deaths of 37 illegal mining suspects held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.

This move comes as investigations into the deaths expand. The Niger State Government, NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force, and other agencies are all looking into what happened.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development announced that the experts aim to find out the facts about the deaths. They will check if mining activities or other factors played a role in these incidents.

Faruk Yabo, the ministry's permanent secretary, led the federal delegation to Niger State. He represented the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during a visit to Governor Mohammed Bago and families of the deceased.

Mr. Yabo stated that the team would carry out a thorough investigation. They will look into the situations around the detention of the victims both before and after their time in custody.

He added that the investigation will produce a report detailing what happened to the deceased. Yabo described the incident as tragic and unacceptable. He emphasized that mining activities should improve the lives of Nigerians, not lead to deaths.

“I extend the deepest condolences of the minister and ministry to the governor, his cabinet, and the people, especially the families of the victims of this highly tragic incident,” he said.

“This is totally an unacceptable situation. Mining should be for the good of all and not a basis to lose lives.”

Governor Bago welcomed the federal delegation but said it is too soon to make a final conclusion on the cause of the deaths. He noted that investigators are looking into possible suffocation due to overcrowding and exposure to dangerous substances from mining activities.

The governor mentioned that the state government has ordered forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, to find out the scientific cause of the deaths.

These deaths have led to multiple investigations from government and security agencies. They are trying to find out what happened to the miners while they were in NSCDC custody.

In the meantime, the NSCDC Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Aniviye, and his team have been suspended. This is to allow for an open investigation into the matter.

The national leadership of the NSCDC has also set up a special panel to look into the circumstances of the deaths. This panel will check the condition of the detainees at the time of their arrest and during their time in custody.

They will also review the medical attention given to them. This incident has raised public concern and sparked protests in parts of Minna. Authorities are asking for calm and urging residents not to take the law into their own hands.

Governor Bago has announced a suspension of all mining activities in Niger State until the investigations are completed. He said this situation should remind everyone in the mining sector about the importance of regulation and the need to protect human lives while tackling illegal mining.

The governor assured that the state government will work closely with federal agencies and other authorities. They want to uncover the facts about the deaths and take the right actions based on what they find.