By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has deployed a high-powered team of experts to Niger State to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of detained citizens in Minna.
Alake disclosed this in a condolence statement issued on Friday over the tragic incident, expressing shock and deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
The minister extended his condolences to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families and the people of the state.
He said the loss of any life was painful, describing the incident as a tragedy that affects the entire society.
Alake commended Governor Bago for declaring a period of mourning and establishing an investigative framework to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He stressed the need for a thorough, transparent and independent inquiry to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence in detention and correctional facilities.
“Given the allegation that the detained persons were arrested on suspicion of carrying out illegal mining, I have deployed a high-powered team of officials to Niger State to investigate the circumstances and ascertain the facts of the matter,” he said.
According to him, the ministerial team will collaborate with other investigators and provide a comprehensive report on the incident.
The minister prayed for the comfort of the affected families and eternal rest for the souls of the departed.
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