The Niger State Police Command has taken over the scene of the mine incident that led to the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody, and commenced a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The move followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as part of efforts to ensure accountability, transparency and respect for constitutional human rights provisions.

In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, had directed the deployment of Operation Flush patrol teams to secure and cordon off the scene.

He added that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, had commenced preliminary forensic investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The command assured the families and relatives of the deceased, as well as members of the public, that the investigation would be conducted diligently and professionally, with all efforts directed at establishing the facts surrounding the incident.

It appealed for calm, patience and cooperation, urging the public to continue to abide by the law while the investigation progresses.

The command said any relevant findings arising from the inquiry would be handled in accordance with extant laws and due process.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has said investigation into the recent killings in the state has yielded useful leads, assuring that suspects allegedly involved in the incidents would be tracked down and brought to justice.

The command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said some individuals identified in connection with the killings were currently at large.

It assured the public that no effort would be spared to arrest the suspects, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

The command said such information would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The command also disclosed that it had received intelligence about a planned protest by a group it described as the “Congress of Cultists,” which it said was allegedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe.

It cautioned individuals or groups planning to cause chaos, disrupt public peace or engage in criminal activities to reconsider their actions.

The command said the police and other security agencies would not allow anyone to exploit the situation to disrupt the peace of the state or endanger lives and property.