Niger State has received condolences from the NCDC following the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody, as investigations continue into the incident.
The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has expressed condolences to the Government and people of Niger State following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The NCDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, described the incident in Minna as a huge loss to the nation.
Tsenyil conveyed the condolences on behalf of the commission’s Governing Board and Management in a statement issued by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Makut Simon-Macham.
He sympathised with Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and loved ones of the deceased.
The 37 suspects were among people arrested during NSCDC operations at mining sites in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. They were subsequently found dead in NSCDC custody in Minna on September 17.
Authorities have not established the cause of the deaths. The Niger State Government has constituted a committee to investigate the incident, while the Federal Government has also ordered a comprehensive investigation. The Niger State NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, was suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
Tsenyil said safe, organised and coordinated mining activities were essential to harnessing the mineral resources of the North-Central region for sustainable economic development.
He said the NCDC remained committed to working with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible mining practices and ensure that safety standards were prioritised in the exploitation of the region’s mineral resources.
The NCDC chief recalled that the recently concluded North Central Stakeholders Development Summit extensively deliberated on the region’s mineral resources and the need for their responsible exploitation.
According to him, recommendations from the summit would help shape the commission’s policy framework for interventions in the mining sector and broader economic development across the region.
Tsenyil also commended the Niger State and Federal Governments for initiating investigations into the incident, expressing hope that the findings would help prevent a recurrence.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for God to grant their families, friends and the Government and people of Niger State the strength to bear the loss.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
