Solid Minerals Minister Alake Condoles Niger Govt Over Death Of 37 Detained Artisanal Miners, Orders Probe
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on Friday mourned the death of detainees arrested for alleged illegal mining in Niger State.
In a statement signed by him, Alake commiserated with their families, the people and government of Niger State and commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for quickly handling the tension the incident caused.
The statement comes barely hours after he mourned and called for rescue of survivors of a Sudan mine collapse that killed some miners.
Alake said: “It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the entire people of the state over the tragic loss of lives among detained citizens in Minna.
“The loss of any life is a deeply painful occurrence, and a tragedy of this magnitude affects us all.
“During this solemn period of state mourning, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the communities bearing the weight of this grief.
“I commend Governor Bago’s swift administrative response in declaring a period of mourning and establishing an investigative framework to uncover the full circumstances of this unfortunate incident.
“A thorough, transparent, and independent inquiry is vital to ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence of such distress in our detention and correctional facilities.
“Given the allegation that the detained persons were arrested on suspicion of carrying out illegal mining, I have deployed a high-powered team of officials to Niger State to investigate the circumstances and ascertain the facts of the matter.
“The team will collaborate with other investigators to provide a comprehensive report on the incident.
“May the Almighty comfort the families affected and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.”
At least 37 artisanal miners died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna on Thursday, September 18, after they were arrested on September 15 and 16 over alleged illegal mining.
