Interior, Information and Solid Minerals Ministers Move to Establish Circumstances Surrounding Deaths in Detention
The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the deaths of persons arrested during an enforcement operation against suspected illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was committed to protecting the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be thoroughly and impartially investigated.
Idris said immediate steps had been taken, including the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered a full investigation into the incident, with Idris assuring that anyone found culpable would face appropriate action.
The minister said the government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other activities threatening national security, the economy and the environment, but stressed that enforcement must be carried out within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.
He also appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
Meanwhile, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has deployed a high-powered team to Niger State to assist in investigating the deaths.
Alake, who also expressed condolences to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the people of the state, said the team would investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detained persons and work with other investigators to produce a comprehensive report.
He commended Bago for declaring a period of mourning and establishing an investigative framework, describing a thorough and transparent inquiry as necessary to establish accountability and prevent a recurrence.