By Nkechi Eze
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has visited the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, and the families affected by the recent incident involving the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
According to an official statement signed by the Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, the visit was undertaken by the Commandant General to personally condole with the traditional ruler, the parents of the deceased and the family of the survivor.
Audi expressed deep sympathy to the affected families and assured them that the Corps would not shield anyone found culpable in connection with the incident, stressing that justice and transparency would guide the process.
The Commandant General said, “The Corps will not shield anyone found culpable. Justice and transparency must take precedence.”
Addressing concerns over the investigation, Audi said the Federal Government, following a directive from the Presidency, had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He assured the public of the NSCDC’s full cooperation with the committee, adding that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody to ensure their availability for transparent interrogation and any subsequent judicial process.
“The NSCDC is fully cooperating with the Presidential investigative committee. All relevant personnel are being made available to assist the committee in uncovering the truth,” he said.
The Commandant General also joined Muslim faithful in observing the third and seventh-day prayers for the deceased, noting the spiritual and cultural significance of the prayers in offering supplications for the repose of the departed and strength for the bereaved families.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, appreciated the Commandant General for personally visiting the community to share in their grief.
The traditional ruler also commended the swift administrative measures taken by the NSCDC and the Corps’ cooperation with the Presidential investigative committee.
He expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for identifying with the affected families during their period of mourning and for demonstrating commitment to ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the incident are properly established.
