The 10-member Independent Investigative Committee probing the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assured affected families that it will conduct a fair and independent investigation.
The committee chairman, retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna.
Kure said the panel had commenced its assignment following its inauguration by the Federal Government, adding that its medical team began work shortly afterwards to preserve and establish evidence that could help determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He said the committee would establish what went wrong and determine responsibility where necessary, while ensuring that people found not to have been involved were treated fairly.
“We will do our best to unravel what went wrong and apportion blame where blame needs to go. Anybody who has been brought into this that has nothing to do with it, where we see it, we will also be fair to such a person,” Kure said.
The committee chairman also expressed condolences to the government and people of Niger State, describing the incident as a matter of concern to both the state and the country.
Responding, Governor Bago pledged the full cooperation and support of the Niger State Government to enable the committee to carry out its responsibilities.
Bago expressed confidence that the panel, which comprises professionals from relevant sectors, would establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners.
“The world is watching, and the committee consists of people of integrity across relevant sectors. I believe they will do justice,” the governor said.
The investigation is expected to establish what led to the deaths of the artisanal miners and determine responsibility where necessary.