• Gov candidate plans health, emergency response talks

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-man Independent Investigative Committee to probe the controversial deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Inaugurating the panel in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the setting up of the panel, chaired by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure (rtd), was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to ensure a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the September 17 tragedy.

The minister warned the NSCDC and other relevant stakeholders against tampering with material evidence linked to the death of the 37 miners, warning that anyone found culpable would be appropriately dealt with in accordance with the law.

In the meantime, the Niger State governorship candidate of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Mohammed Kpautagi, said he would introduce health talks and preliminary emergency response strategies if elected.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the administration’s stance on human rights, noting that the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and other duty officers covering the arrest, investigation, legal, and guard duties during the incident was the first step towardsaccountability.

The committee was given two weeks to establish the identities of the deceased, document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine their exact cause(s) of death through appropriate medical and forensic examinations.

It was further tasked with ascertaining whether negligence, misconduct, or complicity occurred, and to recommend appropriate disciplinary actions, compensation, where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The minister said he has directed the NSCDC leadership to cooperate with the committee, preserve and make available all reports and material evidence linked to the incident.

The other members of the panel include the former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, as secretary, AIG Hosea Karma (rtd) and Prof. Olayinka Buhari, among others.

Accepting the task on behalf of the committee, the chairman, Kure, said it was a call to national service, even as he pledged that members would execute the mandate with strict impartiality.

However, Kpautagi, who is organising a seven-day Fidau prayer for the 37 deceased miners, described their fate as unfortunate, adding that it has raised the consciousness of leaders about rudimentary life-saving skills in emergencies.