By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, Olatunji Disu, has pledged a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
Disu made the commitment during a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Muhammad Bago, following the incident.
According to the Police, the miners were arrested a day earlier over alleged illegal mining activities before they were found dead in NSCDC custody.
The IGP described the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent action and said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be established.
He called for cooperation between the Police, NSCDC and the committee set up by the Niger State Government to investigate the incident.
Governor Umaru Bago said the deaths has caused serious unrest in the state.
He said forensic examinations and autopsies would help determine the cause of death and pledged the state government’s support for the investigation.
The IGP also appealed to residents, particularly the families of the deceased, to remain calm and law-abiding.
He assured them that the investigation would follow due process, transparency, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
