FG Condoles Niger Over Death of Illegal Miners Arrested By NSCDC

The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the Niger State Government and families of those who died following an incident involving suspected illegal miners arrested in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the government’s condolences to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the people of Niger State, traditional leaders and residents of Wushishi, particularly the families and loved ones of the deceased.

In a statement on Friday, September 18, by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a “thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.”

The minister said the Federal Government considers the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians a “solemn responsibility.”

He noted that immediate steps had already been taken to establish the facts, 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.

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Idris said a full investigation had also been ordered into the incident.

“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter,” the minister said.

“The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings.”

The minister stressed that although the Federal Government remained committed to tackling illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, economic resources and the environment, enforcement operations must be carried out within the law.

He said such operations must also respect “human life and dignity.”

“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable,” Idris said.

“At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served.”

Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and other parts of Niger State, urging residents and other stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

He assured the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shared in their grief and remained committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.