Bago vows probe as Niger holds prayers for 37 miners who died in custody

The Niger State Government has promised to thoroughly investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Governor Umaru Bago gave the assurance on Sunday as the state held a special prayer for the deceased at the Tunga Central Mosque in Minna.

The gathering came amid concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with the governor assuring the bereaved families that the government would pursue the matter to its conclusion.

Bago said the investigation would examine the incident comprehensively and that its findings would be made public.

“We are not going to take anything for granted; we will make sure we probe as deeply as we can to get the real causes of these deaths,” he said.

The governor also announced relief measures for the affected families, saying the state would provide palliatives to assist them.

According to him, the Minna Emirate Council would supervise the distribution of the assistance to ensure that the families benefit.

“The Emir himself will be superintendent over whatever the state government is going to give to the families of the deceased and will also find a way of reaching out to those still in the hospital,” Bago said.

At the prayer session, the Chief Imam of Minna, Jibrin Isah, led Muslim faithful in prayers for the deceased and their relatives.

Prayers were also offered for the state and national leadership, as well as peace and stability in Niger State and Nigeria.

Relatives of some of the deceased, government representatives, Islamic scholars and sympathisers attended the gathering.

Meanwhile, Bago announced that the curfew imposed on Minna following unrest connected to the deaths would be lifted after Sunday night.

He appealed to residents, particularly youths, to refrain from violence and allow the authorities to complete their investigation.

The governor urged residents to remain calm, saying the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be established through the ongoing probe.