The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has described the death of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State as “painful, unfortunate and avoidable.”
Abbas, in a statement in Abuja Monday commiserated with the families of the deceased and the Niger State Government over the incident.
The Speaker said following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, he expected “a thorough and comprehensive investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He stressed that justice must not only be done to the deceased but must also “be seen to have been done by the public.”
Abbas called for transparency and accountability in the multiple probes into the incident, saying this was necessary “to calm frayed nerves.”
He said the investigations should establish what happened and ensure that those responsible, where established, are held accountable in accordance with the law.
According to him, the outcome of the investigations should “correct wrongs” and provide long-lasting solutions to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
The Speaker said the investigations should also address critical issues including prison congestion, operational guidelines, the rights of suspects and the welfare of persons in custody.
Abbas commended Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, for his “timely prevention of a breakdown of law and order” by protesters following the incident.
He also commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for their “prompt response” to the development.
The Speaker urged relevant authorities to ensure that the investigations were conducted transparently, stressing the need to restore public confidence in the handling of persons in custody.
Abbas prayed for “the repose of the victims’ souls” and for God to grant their families comfort and strength to bear the loss.
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