THE Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep grief and strong concern over the tragic death of 37 persons who were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining activities and subsequently died while in custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Forum described the deaths, particularly the fact that the victims died while in custody, as a deeply distressing national tragedy requiring responsible action and a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The statement was issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, on behalf of the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya conveyed the Forum’s condolences to the government and people of Niger State, as well as the families and loved ones of the deceased, describing the incident as a deeply distressing national tragedy that demands responsible action.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, speaking on behalf of his colleagues in the Northern Governors’ Forum, said the loss of so many lives, particularly while the victims were in custody, was a matter of grave concern to the NNGF.
He stressed that regardless of the circumstances surrounding their arrest, every human life is valuable and must be treated with dignity and protected in accordance with the law.
He called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths, urging relevant authorities to establish the facts and determine what happened before, during and after the victims were taken into custody.
The Governor said the investigation should be allowed to run its full course and should address all relevant questions.
“We must allow the facts to emerge through a credible investigation. The families of the deceased deserve answers, and Nigerians deserve clarity on the circumstances surrounding this painful tragedy,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya said.
He commended the authorities for initiating investigations and urged all relevant agencies to ensure that the process is comprehensive, transparent and capable of establishing the truth.
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum also urged calm and restraint among residents, particularly the families and communities affected by the tragedy, stressing that justice and accountability are best served when investigations are allowed to proceed without interference.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya prayed Almighty Allah to repose the souls of the deceased.
