The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent panel to investigate the reported deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the panel on Monday in Abuja, chaired by Mr. Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Tunji-Ojo charged members, comprising professionals of proven integrity, to discharge their assignment with professionalism, impartiality and integrity, to establish facts and provide credible answers to bereaved families and the public.
Responding, Kure condoled with families of the deceased and assured that the panel would approach the task with diligence and objectivity.
Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, saying the Corps welcomes the probe and will grant full access to records and personnel.
Spokesman of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, said NSCDC commiserates with families, stressing that respect for human dignity and adherence to law remain integral to its mandate.
