The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on has declared that the Federal Government would ensure justice for the families of 37 arrested miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
Tunji-Ojo said justice is the best gift the Federal Government can give to the families of the deceased.
The illegal miners died while being held by the NSCDC after their arrest during enforcement action carried out around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate, in Minna, Niger State.
Following the incident, the Federal Government inaugurated a 10-member committee to investigate the death of the alleged illegal miners.
Speaking during the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, the minister said: “The president ordered that this committee should be inaugurated but above all to be independent of all influences, independent of all persuasions, and independent of all overtures and scenarios that might derail the committee from getting to the root of the matter and making sure that the best gift at this moment the country can give to the deceased are given to them and what’s that gift, justice.
“Justice is the best gift that we can give to these people as a country and I want to thank the president for his position on this particular matter and being so concerned, worried, and giving this express instruction.
“Looking at the calibre of people that we have here, I know that you are some of the best this country has ever produced in terms of integrity. A lot of you have spent 35 or 40 years in service to this country and we know that a lot of you are in retirement but the nation and Nigeria has called for your service, so I want to thank you for answering this national call.”
Tunji-Ojo urged the committee to ensure that the right thing is done.
“May I on behalf of Mr President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces inaugurate this committee in honour of the dead, in honour of the deceased, for the continuous peace of Nigeria while ensuring that this incident never happens again anywhere in Nigeria,” the minister added.
Niger miners’ death: Families will get justice – FG vows as probe committee inaugurated