Niger Gov sets up committee of inquiry to probe NSCDC custody deaths

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has inaugurated a 20-member Judicial Committee of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.

Inaugurating the committee at the Government House in Minna, Governor Bago charged its members—headed by Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba—to execute the assignment with diligence, professionalism, and thoroughness to establish the facts surrounding the tragic incident.

The Governor emphasized that the investigation must remain transparent, credible, and guided strictly by the principles of fairness and justice.

He directed the panel to expedite its work and conduct field visits to all relevant locations connected to the incident to gather first-hand information.

Furthermore, Governor Bago tasked the committee with inviting and taking testimonies from key witnesses, survivors, families of the deceased, relevant security agencies, and other stakeholders with useful information.

He also appealed to members of the public to cooperate fully with the committee by providing credible evidence and materials that would assist in fulfilling its mandate effectively.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba assured the Governor and the public that the panel would carry out its mandate diligently, impartially, and without fear or favour.

The 20-member panel comprises representatives from key security agencies, relevant government institutions, civil society groups, and strategic community stakeholders.