By Beryl Odele
The Federal Government has assured the families of victims of the Wushishi mining tragedy in Niger State that a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation will be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The assurance was conveyed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who expressed the condolences of the Federal Government to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, traditional leaders and the people of Wushishi, particularly families who lost loved ones.
The incident involved persons arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris said the government had taken immediate steps to establish the facts surrounding the tragedy.
He disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, while directing a full investigation into the incident.
The Information Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, economic resources and the environment.
He, however, stressed that all enforcement operations must be conducted within the ambit of the law and with respect for human life and dignity.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” Idris said.
He appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging all concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
Idris prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked Almighty Allah to grant their families, the Wushishi community and the government and people of Niger State the fortitude to bear the loss.
