The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, on Friday, deployed a high-powered team of officials to Niger State to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of detained persons in Minna.
The Minister said the reported deaths were particularly concerning given allegations that the affected persons had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in illegal mining.
Alake in a statement, expressed profound shock and extended his condolences to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families and the people of the state over the incident.
He said the ministerial team would collaborate with other investigators to establish the facts surrounding the incident and provide a comprehensive report.
Alake said: “It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the entire people of the state over the tragic loss of lives among detained citizens in Minna.
“The loss of any life is a deeply painful occurrence, and a tragedy of this magnitude affects us all. During this solemn period of state mourning, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the communities bearing the weight of this grief.
“I commend Governor Bago’s swift administrative response in declaring a period of mourning and establishing an investigative framework to uncover the full circumstances of this unfortunate incident.
“A thorough, transparent, and independent inquiry is vital to ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence of such distress in our detention and correctional facilities.
“Given the allegation that the detained persons were arrested on suspicion of carrying out illegal mining, I have deployed a high-powered team of officials to Niger State to investigate the circumstances and ascertain the facts of the matter.
“The team will collaborate with other investigators to provide a comprehensive report on the incident. May the Almighty comfort the families affected and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.”