Niger miners’ deaths: FG probe panel gives first updates

The Federal Government panel probing the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has provided its first update on the investigation.

Chairman of the panel, Jonathan Kure, revealed that there were institutional lapses and overzealousness in the handling of the detainees.

According to him, the findings so far had raised concerns about how some NSCDC personnel handled the arrest and detention of the miners.

“There were elements of institutional lapses, elements of overzealousness on the part of officers and men of the Service in their handling of the arrest and detention of the miners,” Kure said.

The panel chairman also stated that the investigation had identified areas where the NSCDC would require additional training and improved professionalism when dealing with situations of such magnitude.

He, however, stressed that the preliminary findings do not yet represent the panel’s final position, noting that the committee is still assessing evidence and awaiting important forensic and pathology reports needed to establish the circumstances and causes of the deaths.

This comes some weeks after the deaths of the 37 detainees triggered public outrage in Niger State and led to calls for accountability.

According to Kure, the panel had also gathered documentary and forensic evidence as part of efforts to establish exactly what happened before and during the deaths.

“Recall that, upon inauguration, our committee was mandated to submit its report within two weeks.

“The committee acknowledges the cooperation so far received from the Federal Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Niger State Government, the Minna Emirate, members of the affected communities, and survivors.

“It is important to report that appreciable progress has been recorded, including inspection of the custody facility; conduct of autopsies; taking of witness statements from Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel, survivors, families and other witnesses; and the collection of documentary and forensic evidence,” he said.