The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Abbas Tajudeen has commiserated with the families of suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
He described the deaths as “painful, unfortunate, and avoidable.”
Speaker Abbas also sent heartfelt condolences to the Niger State Government over the incident.
The Speaker said with the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he expects a thorough and comprehensive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker stated that “justice must not only be done to the deceased but must be seen to have been done by the public.”
Speaker Abbas therefore called for transparency and accountability in the multiple probes into the incident, noting that “this is necessary to calm frayed nerves.”
He said that “the outcome of the investigation should correct wrongs, prescribe long-lasting solutions, and touch on prison congestion, operational guidelines, suspects’ rights, and welfare.”
Speaker Abbas commended Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for his timely prevention of a breakdown of law and order by protesters.
He equally commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for their prompt response to the incident.
Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and comfort for their families.
