Nami suspends PDP engagements over deaths of suspected miners in NSCDC custody

Nami suspends PDP engagements over deaths of suspected miners in NSCDC custody

By Mohammed Baba

Alhaji Mohammed Nami, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Niger, has suspended the party’s planned enlarged State Executive Committee meeting and other engagements with critical stakeholders across the state over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Nami announced the suspension in a statement on Saturday, saying the decision was to honour the deceased and express solidarity with their bereaved families and affected communities.

The PDP candidate said political activities should take a back seat at a time when families and communities were mourning the loss of their loved ones.

“At a moment like this, politics must take a back seat. Our thoughts and prayers must first be with the families who have lost their loved ones and with the entire people of Niger State who are deeply affected by this tragedy,” he said.

Nami said the party had, therefore, suspended its enlarged State Executive Committee meeting and engagements with critical stakeholders scheduled for the period.

He described the deaths as deeply saddening and commended ongoing efforts by relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

At least 37 suspected illegal miners were reported to have died while in NSCDC custody in Minna after they were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in parts of the state.

The NSCDC said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to determine the actual cause of death.

Nami called for a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible investigation capable of establishing the facts and providing clear answers to the bereaved families and the public.

He also urged that the investigation should respect the dignity and rights of the deceased, surviving detainees and other persons connected with the incident.

Nami Appeals for Calm
The PDP candidate appealed to the affected families, community leaders and members of the public to remain calm and peaceful while the investigations lasted.

He cautioned against taking the law into their own hands, urging aggrieved persons to seek redress through lawful and constitutional means.

“Two wrongs cannot make a right. We must not allow grief and anger to lead to further loss of lives, violence, or destruction.

“Let us allow the appropriate authorities to establish the facts and ensure that justice is served through due process,” he said.

Nami also called on security agencies and other relevant institutions to prioritise the protection of human life and humane treatment of persons in custody.

“Regardless of the allegations against any person in custody, every human life deserves dignity, protection, and humane treatment,” he said.

He urged the government and relevant agencies to provide the bereaved families with timely and accurate information on the identities of the deceased and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Nami also called for appropriate support to be provided to the affected families and communities.

Nami urged Niger residents to remain peaceful, united and patient, while encouraging them to use lawful and democratic channels to demand accountability and good governance.

He also urged eligible voters to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and continue to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.

“Our Permanent Voter Cards remain an important instrument through which citizens can peacefully demand accountability and the change they desire.

“We must remain united and committed to a better Niger State,” he said.

Nami prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and patience for their families.

“May Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, have mercy upon their souls, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and give their families the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss,” he prayed.

He also prayed for wisdom and guidance for those investigating the incident, saying the outcome should reveal the truth, prevent recurrence and preserve the lives of citizens.

Nami said the suspended PDP engagements would be rescheduled, with new dates to be communicated to party members, stakeholders and the general public at the appropriate time.