- Safiu Kehinde
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has vowed to ensure a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger.
Disu gave the assurance when he paid a condolence visit to Gov. Umaru Bago in Minna on Thursday.
While commiserating with the state government and the people of Niger state, the IGP said that the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“We are here to pay our condolences and at the same time to visit the scene of where this incident took place.
“I’m here this afternoon because of the tragic incident where we lost the lives of 37 citizens of Minna and of this great state.
“It is a very tragic incident and we want to assure you your excellency that we wil leave no stone unturned to unravel the situation that led to this death.
“We are going to cooperate with the NSCDC and the state government because I know you have set up a committee to look into it.” He said.
Disu noted that cases of suspects dying in custody is exclusively under the jurisdiction of the police.
He assured the state government that the police will not compromise in its investigation as he urged the people of the state to remain calm.
“Cases of death while in custody is a very serious one and falls under the confines of the Nigeria Police Force wherever it happens, most especially case that has 37 victims.
“We want to condole you and the good people of the state and at the same time we want to talk to them to be calm.
“We will not compromise in ensuring that the proper thing is done to unravel the cause of this incident.“ He said,
Disu further charged the people to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that due process would be followed.
“I want to warn them not to take laws into their hands. We are going to ensure that we patrol the towns and ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.
“May Almighty God forgive their sins and grant them Al Janah Firdaus.“ The IGP said.
Responding, Bago commended Disu for visiting the state to commiserate with the government and people over the incident.
The governor also appreciated the police and other security agencies for their efforts in managing the situation and maintaining peace in the state.
Bago disclosed that the state government had suspended mining activities across the state pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.
He assured the police and other security agencies of the state government’s readiness to provide all relevant information in its possession to facilitate the investigation.
The governor expressed hope that the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and guide appropriate action.