Nami condemns death of illegal miners in NSCDC custody, demands probe
Nami condemns death of illegal miners in NSCDC custody, demands probe
By Mohammed Baba
Alhaji Mohammed Nami, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Niger State, has condemned the death of some suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger Command.
Nami, a former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), made the condemnation in a statement issued on Thursday in reaction to the incident.
He said the detainees, who were arrested in Lukoto Village in Wushishi Local Government Area of the state, reportedly died following a disease outbreak in the cell where they were being held.
Nami described the deaths as unfortunate and avoidable, noting that the incident occurred against the backdrop of several other killings allegedly perpetrated by bandits in parts of the state.
He said he was saddened by the deaths of the suspected illegal miners as well as the killing of innocent citizens across the state.
The PDP governorship candidate commiserated with the bereaved families and prayed to Allah to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, asking Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them His mercy.
Nami called on relevant authorities to rise to the occasion and take urgent measures to curb the incessant killings of innocent citizens in the state.
He also urged the authorities to investigate thoroughly the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees and ensure that those found culpable were brought to justice.
According to him, the authorities have a responsibility to safeguard the lives of citizens by implementing adequate security measures and ensuring the humane treatment of detainees at all times.
He further appealed to the bereaved families and their sympathisers to remain calm and allow the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“It is not helpful to resort to violence as two wrongs do not make a right,” he said.
Nami prayed to Allah to continue to guide the nation’s leaders and grant them the wisdom to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
