CRIME
IGP Visits Niger Over Death of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Friday visited Niger State following the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The suspects were reportedly arrested a day earlier over alleged illegal mining activities and were found dead in NSCDC custody in the early hours of Friday.
Disu, who paid a condolence visit to the state, was received by the Niger State Governor, Muhammad Umar Bago, alongside other dignitaries and heads of security agencies in the state.
The IGP described the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent action, assuring the state government and residents that the Nigeria Police Force would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He called for close cooperation between the police, NSCDC and the committee constituted by the state government to investigate the incident.
Disu stressed that deaths in lawful custody were a grave matter, particularly as the circumstances surrounding the deaths had yet to be established.
Governor Bago thanked the IGP for his prompt intervention, saying the incident had caused serious unrest in the state.
Bago said the deceased were arrested over suspected illegal mining and were subsequently found dead in NSCDC custody.
He said the state government had commenced measures to ensure a seamless investigation, adding that forensic examinations and autopsies were expected to help determine the cause of death.
The governor pledged the full support of the Niger State Government to the relevant security agencies conducting the investigation.
The IGP appealed to residents, particularly the families of the deceased, to remain calm and law-abiding, warning that violence could further complicate the situation.
He assured that the investigation would be conducted in line with the rule of law, due process, transparency and respect for human rights.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody.
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