By Ukamaka James
The Niger State Government on Sunday held a special prayer session in Minna for 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The prayers, held at Tunga Central Mosque, were led by the Chief Imam of Minna, Jibrin Isah, and attended by families of the deceased, government officials, Islamic scholars and sympathisers.
Prayers were offered for the deceased, their bereaved families and for peace and stability in Niger State and Nigeria.
Speaking after the session, Governor Umaru Bago assured the families that the state government would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and make its findings public.
“We will make sure we probe as deeply as we can to get the real causes of these deaths,” Bago said.
The governor also announced plans to provide support to the bereaved families and those receiving treatment, with the Minna Emirate Council overseeing the distribution.
Bago said the curfew imposed on Minna following unrest over the deaths would be lifted after Sunday night.
He appealed to residents, particularly youths, to remain peaceful and allow the ongoing investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.