By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state on Sunday said the state government is investigating what led to the deaths of 37 artisans last Thursday, and the whereabouts of others out of about 65 alleged illegal miners that were arrested and kept in its facility by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger state Command.
Preliminary informations revealed that some people were already in the detention cells, including an Igbo boy that was in detention before the artisanal miners were brought in and only investigation would determine who they were, their identities and ages.
Governor Bago disclosed this at a three-day Fida’a prayer held for the souls of the 37 miners that died in NSCDC cell at Tunga Central Mosque in Minna, the state capital, adding that the prayers was organised to honour the deceased, console their families and as well, pray for peace in Niger state and Nigeria generally.
Governor Bago assured faithful, including some of the bereaved families present at the special prayer session that the government will conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and the findings made public.
“The government is doing everything possible to get to the crux of this matter. When that is done, it will be made very public. We are not going to take anything for granted. We are going to probe deeply so that we can get the real cause of the deaths.”
Preliminary informations revealed that some people were already in the detention cells before the newly arrested artisanal miners were brought in, Bago explained adding that, "investigation would determine who were the ones detained earlier, who was brought in later, the identities and ages of those arrested".
Governor Bago expressing preparedness to get to the roots of the matter gave example of an Igbo man who according to him had allegedly been detained for stealing from his employer before the unfortunate incident and was among those that died.
The government, he said will adopt a holistic approach in the on-going investigation of the incident and would also be working with mining stakeholders to address activities surrounding the area.
Governor Bago said the government would provide palliatives and other forms of support to families of deceased miners while the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago is to supervise the distribution of the support.
In addition, Governor Bago said government would also reach out to the survivors receiving treatment in hospitals.
While appealing to Minna residents and other Nigerlites to shun violence, Governor Bago said the curfew imposed following the unrest would be lifted after the night of the prayers to allow residents to return to their normal daily activities.
On mining activities, Umaru Bago said the government would enforce a ban on mining within residential areas, adding that some of the locations where the artisans were arrested was not designated for mining.
Government, he said would also enforce responsible mining regulations that will involve using its legal framework and powers to prevent further mining activities in the area.
The Chief Imam of Tunga Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Salisu Isah Mai Dalalainu, who led the session, prayed for Allah's comfort and mercy for the deceased artisans and their families.
The Cleric who described the incident as very unfortunate urged residents not to allow it to become a reason to embark on public unrest or violent protests.
While praying for divine guidance and wisdom for Governor Bago, elected and appointed leaders, traditional rulers and other authorities in the state, Sheikh Muhammad prayed for lasting peace in Niger state and the country at large. NNL.
