Nigeria Inaugurates Panel To Probe Miners’ Deaths

The Nigerian Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He said the government was determined to uncover the immediate and remote causes of the deaths.

The detainees died in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Tunji-Ojo said the investigation would ensure justice for the deceased and their families. He also appealed for calm while the investigation continues.

Retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, chairs the committee, while former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary.

The committee has two weeks to submit its report.

Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma and Prof Olayinka Buhari. Buhari is a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.

The committee also includes representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and the Niger State Government.

The minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for ordering an investigation into the deaths, adding that the move would help establish what happened and ensure accountability.

The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any wrongdoing or negligence contributed to the deaths.

Tunji-Ojo condoled with the families of the deceased and urged them to remain calm, assuring them that the government would pursue the investigation and seek justice for the victims.