Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has condemned the deaths of 37 miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Babangida described the incident as tragic and deeply disturbing, while expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and the people and government of Niger State.
In a statement issued in Minna through his media department and signed by Dr. Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, Babangida commiserated with the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
He also prayed for God to grant the families the strength to bear the loss.
The former military president commended the Niger State Government for its immediate response to the incident, particularly the constitution of a committee of inquiry and the commencement of medical and forensic examinations to establish the circumstances and actual causes of the deaths.
According to the statement, the state government has confirmed the deaths and declared a three-day mourning period, while cancelling a planned political rally in Minna.
Babangida appealed to residents, particularly youths and families of the deceased, to remain calm while investigations continue.
He said the ongoing probe was necessary to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and ensure that appropriate action was taken based on its findings.
The former military president also urged all parties to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or disrupting peace and security in the state.
He expressed hope that the investigation would be conducted transparently and provide answers to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State.
Babangida said establishing the truth about the incident was important to restoring confidence and ensuring that lessons were drawn from the tragedy.