Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday demanded that Nigerians act in handling the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker called for transparency and accountability in the multiple probes into the incident, noting that this is necessary to calm frayed nerves.
Speaker Abbas described the deaths of the miners in custody as ‘painful, unfortunate, and avoidable’, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the Niger State Government over the incident.
The Speaker said that, with the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, he expects a thorough and comprehensive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident, stressing that the outcome of the investigation should correct wrongs, prescribe long-lasting solutions, and address prison congestion, operational guidelines, suspects’ rights, and welfare.
Speaker Abbas commended Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for his timely prevention of a breakdown of law and order by protesters, as well as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for their prompt response to the incident.
Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and comfort for their families.