Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has ordered a wider investigation into the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), saying the probe will also examine other detainees who died or were held at the facility.
Bago said the state government would make the outcome of the investigation public, as families of the deceased gathered in Minna on Sunday for a three-day Fida’au prayer for the victims.
The governor said the government was determined to establish not only how the 37 miners died, but also the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and the identities of other persons held at the facility.
He disclosed that preliminary findings showed that some detainees were already in custody before the miners were brought in.
According to Bago, the investigation would determine who was detained first, why they were detained, who was brought in later and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
“Government is doing everything possible to get to the crux of this matter, and when that is done, it will be made very public.
“We are not going to take anything for granted. We are going to probe deeply so that we can get the real causes of these deaths,” he said.
Bago specifically mentioned Emmanuel Emeka, an Igbo man who, according to the governor, was being detained over an allegation of stealing from his employer before the incident. Emeka was among those who died.
The governor said the investigation would therefore take a holistic look at activities within the detention facility and the wider circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He also said the government would work with mining stakeholders to address activities in areas where mining was taking place.
Bago announced relief support for the families of the deceased and said the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, would supervise its distribution.
The state government, he added, would also reach out to survivors still receiving treatment in hospitals.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and shun violence, following protests that erupted after news of the deaths.
On the 12-hour curfew imposed by the government, Bago said it would be lifted once normalcy returned and residents could safely resume their activities.
He, however, ruled out any reversal of the ban on mining activities within residential areas of Minna.
Bago said such areas were not designated for mining and vowed that the government would enforce responsible mining regulations and use its legal powers to stop further mining in residential communities.
At the Fida’au prayer, the Chief Imam of Tunga Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Salisu Isah Mai Dalalainu, prayed for Allah’s mercy for the deceased and comfort for their families.
The cleric described the incident as unfortunate and urged residents not to allow it to become a trigger for further unrest.
He also prayed for wisdom and guidance for Governor Bago, political leaders, traditional rulers and other authorities, as well as lasting peace in Niger State and Nigeria.
The prayer was attended by members of the Niger State Executive Council, prominent politicians, the Emir of Minna, parents and relatives of the deceased.