THE Niger State gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Doctor Mohammed Kpautagi, has mourned the death of about 37 artisan miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.

He lamented that death of the young people, saying that that calamity has once again reinforced calls on state governors to stop frequenting Abuja for political reasons and concentrate in serving their people.

While contending that the tragic incident was an avoidable loss, Kpautagi said it could be traced to gross negligence and failure of duty, stressing that no citizen should lose his life in a government detention facility that was intended to secure and reform.

In a press statement to journalists in Minna, the NDC gubernatorial flagbearer said he received the news of the death of the 37 artisan miners with deep shock and heavy heart, describing it as one of the darkest moments in the history of Niger State.

He assured that under his watch if elected as governor next year, he would devote 24 hours of his time each day in looking out for the masses, even as he counseled the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration at both state and federal levels to take the issue of security and human lives seriously, stressing that enough of the killings in Niger State.

“Large parts of Niger State,” he lamented, “have been left at the mercy of criminals due to failure of leadership. Zones B and C senatorial districts in the state are under the control of bandits, with daily killings and kidnappings in Shiroro, Munya, Mariga, Kontagora and Mashegu.

“Many residents have been forced out of their ancestral homes into IDP camps. Many youths have taken to artisanal mining for survival because farming has become impossible. Even Minna, the state capital and its environs, is no longer safe.”

He remarked that the NSCDC tragedy is a symptom of a larger systemic failure where human life has lost its value, even as he acknowledged the three-day mourning declared by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

However, Kpautagi stated that the suspension of the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, though commendable, are not enough remedial action, stressing that a full independent investigation, public disclosure of findings, adequate compensation for affected families, and prosecution of culpable officers are needed.

According to the NDC chieftain, Niger State needs a government that truly values human life, assuring that under an ADC-led administration, security, youth empowerment and responsible mining will be given topmost priority.

He prayed that such tragedy never befalls Niger State again, even as he implored Allah to forgive the deceased their shortcomings, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and give their families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.