Christian body calls for thorough investigation, urges families and residents to remain calm
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has condoled with Governor Umaru Bago and the people of the state over the deaths of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The CAN delegation, led by the association’s state Vice Chairman, Reverend Joshua Rikoto, who represented the State Chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna, visited Governor Bago at the Government House in Minna.
Rikoto described the deaths as tragic and deeply painful, stressing the need for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He commended the Niger State Government for setting up an inquiry and urged the families of the deceased and residents of affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue. The state government has since inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the deaths.
The CAN delegation also commended Governor Bago for his response to the incident and his administration’s development efforts across the state.
The association congratulated the government on the recent appointment of members of the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, particularly those serving in the Christian Department, and prayed for the families of the deceased.
Responding, Bago thanked the CAN leadership for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of love and solidarity with the government and people of Niger State.
The governor said he maintained a strong relationship with the Christian community and stressed that government and religious leaders have a collective responsibility to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.
He said Niger State belongs to everyone regardless of ethnic or religious differences, adding that peaceful coexistence is essential to the state’s progress and development.
On the deaths of the 37 miners, Bago described the incident as deeply troubling and said it was an occurrence that could have been avoided.
He assured the CAN delegation that the matter would not be swept under the carpet and that his administration would pursue it to its logical conclusion in line with the oath of office he took.
The deaths have triggered investigations by both state and federal authorities. The Federal Government has also constituted an independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and suspended officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the probe.