By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
CAN made the call during a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna.
The delegation was led by CAN Vice Chairman in the state, Reverend Joshua Rikoto, who represented the state chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna.
Rikoto described the deaths as tragic and commended the Niger State Government for setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the incident.
He urged the families of the victims and affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues.
The CAN delegation also prayed for the families of the deceased and asked God to give Governor Bago wisdom and strength in handling the situation.
Responding, Bago thanked the Christian body for the visit, describing it as a show of love and solidarity with the government and people of Niger State.
The governor said his administration would continue to maintain a strong relationship with the Christian community and urged religious leaders and government to promote peace and unity.
Bago said Niger State belongs to everyone, regardless of ethnic or religious differences, stressing that peaceful coexistence is essential to the state’s development.
On the miners’ deaths, the governor described the incident as deeply troubling and said it could have been avoided.
He assured CAN that his administration would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, stressing that the incident would not be swept under the carpet.
