IGP VISITS NIGER STATE; REAFFIRMS NPF's RESOLVE TO UNRAVEL ROOT CAUSE OF DEATHS OF 37 ARTISANAL MINERS

The Inspector General of Police , Olatunji Rilwan Disu has reiterated the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to unravel the mystery behind the death of 37 artisanal miners who died while in custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command .

According to a statement by the chief press secretary Bologi Ibrahim, the IGP stated this when he visited governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on a condolence visit.

The IGP also revealed that he was in the State to visit the scene of the incident where all the victims died and conduct thorough investigation while assuring Nigerlites that the Police will leave no stone unturned in solving the issue.

He described the event as tragic and stated that the Police will cooperate with the NSCDC and the State government’s committees of inquiry in ascertaining what actually happened that led to their death.

The IGP said, cases of death while in custody is a very serious case that falls under the confines of the Nigerian police force wherever it happens, and as such the Force must react.

He called on residents of the State to remain calm and law abiding as he reassured them that the police will not compromise in ensuring that the proper thing is done to unravel the cause of the incident.

Governor Umaru Bago appreciated the IGP and his team for their efforts in helping to solve the case and for maintaining peace and orderliness in the State.

The governor said, in respect of the victims and their families, every political activity in the State has been suspended while the State is working with the Association of Miners of Niger State and the Ministry of Mineral Resources to identify the people that lost their lives so that the state government can visit and commiserate with them.

He equally disclosed that the State government has temporarily suspended all mining activities across the State until reports of the findings are out adding that, in the regime of responsible mining of his administration, it is very important to have a directorate of all those who are mining in order to be put under a cooperative where they can easily be traced.

Governor Bago applauded the efforts of federal agencies and establishments who have swung into action to unravel the death cases and reassured of the State government’s complimentary support.

He however warned politicians against politicizing issues of such nature but should rather rally and come together as one united entity.