Niger CAN seeks full inquiry into deaths of 37 artisanal miners

The Christian Association of Nigeria’s Niger State chapter has condoled with Governor Umaru Bago and residents over the deaths of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. CAN’s vice-chairman in the state, Reverend Joshua Rikoto, led a delegation to the governor at the Government House in Minna. Representing the state chairman, Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese Bulus Yohanna, Rikoto described the deaths as tragic and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances.

He commended the state government for setting up a panel of inquiry and appealed to the bereaved families and affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues. Bago described the incident as deeply troubling and said it could have been avoided. He assured the delegation that his administration would not allow the matter to be ignored and would pursue it to its logical conclusion.

The governor also said the government and religious leaders shared responsibility for promoting peace, unity and coexistence. He thanked CAN for its solidarity and said Niger State belonged to people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds.