DIPLOMAN TIMES

The Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 young artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as the association visited Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in Minna to convey condolences.

The CAN delegation was led by its Vice Chairman in Niger State, Rev. Joshua Markus Rikoto, who represented the State Chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dawa Yohanna. During the September 23 reporting cycle, the delegation conveyed condolences to Governor Bago, the state government and residents over the deaths of the miners.

Rikoto described the deaths as tragic and painful and said the circumstances surrounding the incident deserved thorough investigation. The association commended the state government for constituting a panel of inquiry and urged affected families and communities to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation proceeds.

The association also prayed for the families of the deceased and acknowledged the government's response to the incident. Its delegation further commended Governor Bago over developments attributed to his administration and the recent appointment of members of the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, including the Christian Department.

Responding to the delegation, Governor Bago described the condolence visit as a demonstration of solidarity with the government and people of Niger State. He said government and religious leaders share responsibility for promoting peace and unity and stressed that the state belongs to residents irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

Bago described the deaths of the 37 miners as a deeply troubling incident that, in his words, could have been avoided. He said the matter could not be swept under the carpet and assured the delegation that his administration would pursue it to its logical conclusion, leaving the investigation and other official processes as the current avenue for establishing the circumstances of the deaths.