The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday commiserated with the families of suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, describing the deaths as “painful, unfortunate, and avoidable.”
Speaker Tajudeen also sent heartfelt condolences to the Niger State Government over the incident.
The Speaker said that, with the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he expects a thorough and comprehensive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker stated that justice must not only be done to the deceased but must also be seen by the public to have been done.
Speaker Tajudeen therefore called for transparency and accountability in the multiple probes into the incident, noting that this is necessary to calm frayed nerves.
He stressed that the outcome of the investigation should correct wrongs, prescribe long-lasting solutions and touch on prison congestion, operational guidelines, suspects’ rights and welfare.
Speaker Tajudeen commended Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for his timely prevention of a breakdown of law and order by protesters.
He equally commended the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for their prompt response to the incident.
Speaker Tajudeen prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and comfort for their families.
