The Niger State Government has cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago also declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the victims, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening.
The governor announced the decisions in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, in Minna.
Bago expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and called on residents to remain calm while authorities address the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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The APC rally, which was scheduled to take place in Minna on Saturday as part of the party’s political activities in the state, was cancelled in recognition of the gravity of the incident and out of respect for the victims and their families.
The 37 victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC said some of the detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17, initially attributing the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak while stressing that the actual cause had not been established.
The remains were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination, while the NSCDC, police and other authorities have commenced separate investigations into the incident.
The Niger State Government has also constituted a committee of inquiry, headed by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, and ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to establish the exact cause of death.
At the federal level, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered a transparent investigation, while the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, was suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
Governor Bago urged residents to remain peaceful as the investigations proceed and assured the affected families that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would receive appropriate attention.
