Ndarani commiserates with families of 37 suspected miners, Calls for Calm, Justice

Ndarani commiserates with families of 37 suspected miners, Calls for Calm, Justice

By Mohammed Baba Busu

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, has commiserated with the families of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), describing the incident as deeply painful and unfortunate.

Ndarani, who is also the Hukunchi Nupe and Hausaland, Madugu Lapai, in a statement on Wednesday, extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the Minna Emirate and the people of Niger State, saying that the loss of 37 human lives while in government custody was a matter that should concern every Nigerian.

He called on residents of Niger, particularly the affected families and communities, to remain calm and allow the ongoing independent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the deaths.

Ndarani urged all relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation was thorough, transparent, impartial and unhindered, stressing that justice should be served based on credible evidence and the findings of the independent committee.

The learned silk commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt intervention and directive for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

He described the Federal Government’s response as a demonstration of concern for the sanctity of human life and accountability in public institutions.

He also commended the President for extending condolences to the families of the deceased, the Minna Emirate and the people of Niger State, and for directing that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be thoroughly investigated.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and other security chiefs toward strengthening the nation’s security architecture and tackling security challenges confronting the country.

The senior advocate said the efforts of the President, the NSA and security agencies in confronting insecurity deserved recognition, adding that such efforts must continue to be complemented with respect for the fundamental rights and dignity of citizens.

Ndarani said the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining should not diminish the importance of their fundamental rights, stressing that every person in government custody was entitled to humane treatment and protection of life and dignity under the law.

He said the Federal Government’s decision to establish an independent investigative committee was a welcome step toward establishing the truth and ensuring accountability.

The Federal Government on Sept. 22 inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee chaired by Mr. Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, as Secretary.

Ndarani expressed confidence in the professionalism of the committee members and urged them to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour, saying that Nigerians expected a credible account of what transpired.

He urged the committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the victims, the conditions under which they were held, the medical attention provided to them and the immediate and remote causes of their deaths.

Ndarani also appealed to security agencies, government officials, community leaders and residents to cooperate fully with the committee by providing relevant information and evidence that could assist in establishing the truth.

The Senior Advocate said the fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities remained important to the security and economic development of Niger State and Nigeria, but stressed that enforcement must always be carried out within the confines of the law.

He urged residents of Niger State to continue to maintain peace and resist any action capable of undermining the ongoing investigation or creating tension in the state.

Ndarani prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant them eternal rest, while asking Allah to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He urged all Nigerians to support efforts aimed at strengthening security, protecting human rights and ensuring justice for all.