The investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (nscdc) in Niger State has commenced.
The Independent Committee of Inquiry, inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, held its first meeting on Thursday and adopted a work plan for the investigation.
The committee’s secretary, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Isa Chiroma, said the panel will visit relevant sites, engage government agencies and interview survivors, suspects and others with information about the incident.
“In line with this work plan, the committee will visit all relevant sites, engage with relevant government agencies, and interview survivors, suspects and other persons with material knowledge of the incident”, he said.
The committee will also obtain relevant documents and materials, while its medical team has begun work to determine the cause and manner of the deaths.
“The committee’s medical team has already begun work to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths”.
Meanwhile, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, has assured the families of the deceased that the Corps will not protect anyone found culpable.
Audi gave the assurance during a condolence and courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Umar Bahago, and the families of the victims and survivors.
“The CG strongly condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence”, the NSCDC said.
Audi added that the Corps is cooperating fully with the Federal Government’s investigative committee, with relevant personnel placed in protective custody to facilitate the probe.
