The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has deployed a team of experts to Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, to investigate the deaths of detainees arrested over alleged illegal mining activities.
In a statement disclosed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Alake said the ministerial team would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ascertain the facts.
The team will also collaborate with other investigators and provide a comprehensive report on the deaths, according to the minister.
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Alake expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, the affected families and the people of the state over what he described as a tragic loss of lives among detained citizens in Minna.
“The loss of any life is a deeply painful occurrence, and a tragedy of this magnitude affects us all,” he said.
He commended Governor Bago for declaring a period of mourning and establishing an investigative framework to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The minister said a “thorough, transparent and independent inquiry” was necessary to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in detention and correctional facilities.
“Given the allegation that the detained persons were arrested on suspicion of carrying out illegal mining, I have deployed a high-powered team of officials to Niger State to investigate the circumstances and ascertain the facts of the matter,” Alake said.
The Minister prayed for comfort for the affected families and eternal rest for those who died.
