The Nigerian government has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives following an incident involving persons arrested during an enforcement operation against suspected illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who conveyed the government’s condolences, said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be thoroughly investigated to establish what transpired.
Idris sympathised with the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the government and people of the state, traditional leaders and residents of Wushishi, particularly the families of those who lost their lives.
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He stressed that the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians remained a responsibility of the Nigerian government.
According to him, “the circumstances surrounding the deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.”
The minister said immediate steps had been taken by the government to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
He disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered the suspension of 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 Nigerian Government views this matter,” he said.
He added that the investigation would be allowed to establish exactly what happened, assuring Nigerians that appropriate action would be taken based on its findings.
“The government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” he said.
Idris reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and other unlawful activities capable of threatening national security, the economy and the environment.
He, however, emphasised that enforcement agencies must operate within the law and respect 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,” he stated.
He explained that the government’s responsibility was to ensure that the facts were established and justice served.
“The government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” he said.
The minister appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
He assured the bereaved families and the people of Niger State that the Nigerian government shared in their grief and remained committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Idris prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked 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.
