Investigative committee promises fair probe, assures affected families of succour
The 10-member Independent Investigative Committee set up by the Federal Government to probe the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in NSCDC custody in Minna has commenced its assignment.
The committee chairman, retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, gave the assurance when he led members on a courtesy visit to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna.
Kure said the committee was in the state to begin the investigation mandated by President Bola Tinubu, adding that its medical team had already commenced work to preserve and establish evidence surrounding the deaths.
He assured the affected families and people of Niger State that the committee would conduct an independent and fair investigation to establish what went wrong and determine responsibility where necessary.
“We will do our best to unravel what went wrong and apportion blame where blame needs to go,” Kure said, adding that those found not to have been involved would be treated fairly.
Kure also condoled with the government and people of Niger State over the incident, describing it as a matter of concern to both the state and the country.
Governor Bago pledged the full cooperation of the state government and expressed confidence that the committee would establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“The world is watching, and the committee consists of people of integrity across relevant sectors. I believe they will do justice,” Bago said.