Bago vows probe into deaths of 37 in NSCDC custody, says findings will be made public

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has vowed that the state government will thoroughly investigate the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna.

Bago said the investigation would establish the actual cause of the deaths and determine the circumstances surrounding the detention of the victims.

The governor spoke on Sunday at a three-day Fida’a prayer held at Tunga Central Mosque, Minna, for the deceased.

He assured the families of the victims that the findings of the investigation would be made public.

“Government is doing everything possible to get to the crux of this matter. 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 disclosed that preliminary information showed that some persons were already being held at the detention facility before the newly arrested suspected illegal miners were brought in.

He said the investigation would establish who was detained before the miners arrived, who was brought in subsequently, as well as the identities and ages of all those who died.

The governor specifically referred to an Igbo man who, according to him, had allegedly been detained for stealing from his employer before the incident and later died in custody.

Bago said the government would adopt a holistic approach to the investigation and engage mining stakeholders as part of efforts to address activities in the affected areas.

He also announced plans to provide palliatives and other assistance to the families of the deceased, while support would be extended to survivors receiving treatment in hospitals.

According to him, the Emir of Minna would supervise the distribution of the assistance.

The governor appealed to residents of Minna and other Niger State residents to remain calm and avoid violence following the incident.

He said the curfew imposed after the unrest would be lifted after the night of the prayer to enable residents to return to their normal activities.

The Chief Imam of Tunga Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Salisu Isah Mai Dalalainu, who led the prayer, prayed for Allah’s mercy on the deceased and comfort for their families.

Dalalainu described the deaths as unfortunate and urged residents not to allow the incident to trigger further unrest or violence.

He also prayed for divine guidance and wisdom for Governor Bago, political leaders, traditional rulers and other authorities in Niger State and Nigeria.