The Independent Investigative Committee probing the deaths of miners in Niger State has recommended the payment of N1.4 billion in compensation to the families of 33 deceased victims and 44 survivors.
Presenting the committee’s report in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman Jonathan Kure described the tragedy as avoidable, stating that the victims, including 14 minors, were subjected to inhumane conditions during their detention.
The committee further recommended the summary dismissal of the Commandant of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), along with all officers directly involved in the detention and subsequent deaths of the miners.
In addition, the panel called for far-reaching institutional reforms within the NSCDC to strengthen accountability, leadership, and operational standards across the agency.
Receiving the report, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo pledged to implement the committee’s recommendations to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The minister also directed the NSCDC leadership to immediately suspend officers who allegedly cleaned up the detention facility after the incident, an action believed to have been aimed at destroying critical evidence.
The report marks a significant step in efforts to establish accountability for one of the most tragic incidents involving detained miners in recent years, while also highlighting the need for reforms within Nigeria’s security and correctional systems.
