The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it is fully cooperating with the Presidential Committee investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners in its custody in Niger State.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, disclosed this during a condolence and courtesy visit to traditional ruler, the Emir of Minna, Umar Farouk Bahago, the parents of the deceased miners and the family of the survivor.
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In a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, the visit was aimed at commiserating directly with the affected families during the period of grief.
During the interaction, Audi condoled with the families and gave assurance that the Corps would not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency would take precedence.
READ ALSO: NSCDC Detains 24 Personnel over Miners Deaths
Addressing the steps being taken to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the Commandant General noted that the Nigerian Government, under the directive of the Presidency, had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident.
Audi disclosed that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody to make them fully available for the investigation process.
READ ALSO: Women Affairs Ministry Condoles Families of 37 Miners
The Commandant General also highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the third- and seventh-day prayers for the departed, explaining that his visit was also to join Muslim faithful in offering prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the families, the Emir expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for the swift administrative actions taken, his cooperation with the Presidential Committee and for personally visiting and identifying with the community during its moment of grief.
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The Nigerian Government had earlier constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee, headed by Jonathan Kure, to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners.
