Niger Miners’ Deaths: FG Vows No One Culpable Will Be Shielded

The federal government has assured Nigerians that anyone found culpable in the deaths of persons arrested during an enforcement operation against suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State will not be shielded from appropriate action.

The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement on Friday while expressing the federal government’s condolences over the loss of lives following the incident in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.

Idris conveyed the government’s condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the government and people of the state, traditional leaders and residents of Wushishi, as well as the families and loved ones of the deceased.

The minister said the Federal Government regarded the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of every Nigerian as a solemn responsibility, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.

He said the government had already taken steps to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

According to Idris, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directed a full investigation into the matter.

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

“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,” Idris said.

The minister stressed that while the Federal Government remained committed to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, economic resources and the environment, enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.

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

Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties 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 circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The minister prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for Almighty Allah to grant their families, the Wushishi community, and the government and people of Niger State the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.