Suspended NSCDC Commandant Apologises to Families of 37 Miners Who Died in Custody
By: Zagazola Makama
The suspended Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, Siaka Suberu Aniviye, has apologised to the families of suspected illegal miners who died while in the corps' custody.
Aniviye tendered the apology while testifying before the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry established by the Niger State Government to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC.
The commission, sitting in Minna, heard the testimony during its second sitting as it continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
During his appearance, the suspended commandant reportedly admitted that the incident could have been avoided, describing it as a costly mistake, and appealed to the bereaved families for forgiveness.
His admission and apology came amid the commission's efforts to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths of the detainees and determine whether there were failures in their handling and custody.
The NSCDC State Legal Officer, ACC Stephen Tsado, and the corps' Command Nurse, Maryam Etang, also testified before the commission.
As part of its investigation, the commission's chairman, Justice Mohammed Mohammed, led other members on a visit to the Minna General Hospital mortuary, where the bodies of the deceased were kept.
The commission was informed that three of the bodies remained unclaimed.
The inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility.
The families of the deceased and the public will be looking to the commission to ensure that the investigation produces clear findings and that any wrongdoing established is addressed in accordance with the law.
