Niger govt unaware of miners’ arrest before deaths in NSCDC custody — Bago

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said the state government was not informed about the arrest and detention of suspected illegal miners who later died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Bago made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday night while addressing the deaths of the miners detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.

The incident has sparked public concern, with investigations underway to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths and whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.

The suspected miners were reportedly arrested by NSCDC personnel during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16.

According to the governor, 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were taken into custody, while 37 subsequently died.

Bago said authorities had yet to establish the precise cause of the deaths, adding that overcrowding and possible exposure to hazardous substances were among the factors being examined.

He explained that the state government only learnt of the arrests after information about the deaths became public and protests began.

He stated, “The state had no prior knowledge of the operation because the security agencies involved were under the control of the Federal Government.”

The governor also expressed concern over the increasing shift from farming to mining among some communities in the state.

He noted that residents who had become accustomed to the financial gains from mining could find it challenging to return to agriculture.

“Mining isn’t just about digging the gold. It’s a big industry, with expatriates from other countries operating in our states without us having the power to halt their activities,” Bago said.

He added that some expatriates involved in mining operations had obtained licences, while security agencies and relevant authorities, including the police and the Department of State Services, were aware of their activities.

Meanwhile, the federal government has ordered an independent investigation into the deaths, while 24 NSCDC personnel allegedly connected to the incident have been detained.

In its latest statement, the NSCDC said it was holding the 27 personnel at its National Headquarters in Abuja, where they were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures.

The Corps added that it would make the officers available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further questioning and possible prosecution.

Bago also highlighted the difficult conditions faced by many artisanal miners, noting that some operate without appropriate protective equipment and adequate accommodation.

He further raised concerns about the lack of social interventions for mining communities, including educational and scholarship opportunities for the children of miners.

Investigations into the incident are expected to establish what led to the deaths of the suspected miners and determine responsibility if any wrongdoing is established. (Punch)