The Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, has inaugurated a nine-member judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.

Mr Bago inaugurated the commission on Tuesday in Minna, charging members to be diligent, impartial and thorough in discharging their responsibilities.

The commission is mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the legality of the deceased’s custody, as well as their condition and treatment while in custody.

Other terms of reference include investigating the circumstances and causes of the deaths, the responsibility and accountability of officers involved, medical and forensic evidence, and making general findings and appropriate recommendations.

Mr Bago said the commission was established by law to get to the root of the incident and establish the facts surrounding the deaths.

He said the commission had four weeks to complete its assignment, expressing optimism that members would justify the confidence reposed in them and carry out their responsibilities diligently.

The governor urged the members to conduct the inquiry objectively and in accordance with the law, noting that their findings would help the government take appropriate steps.

Also speaking, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the governor was empowered by law to establish the commission of inquiry.

Mr Mu’azu said the commission was inaugurated at a time of considerable public concern and stressed that its establishment was not intended to prejudice anyone.

“It has been set up to look into the facts, evidence and circumstances surrounding the death of the 37 persons.

“The fact that they are alleged to be illegal miners does not in any way diminish their fundamental rights or the obligation of the state to protect their lives,” he said.

Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Niger State High Court of Justice chairs the commission.

Other members are: Mohammed  Ndamiso, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch; Dr Joseph Kolo, permanent secretary, Office of the Head of Service; and Hafsat Abdullahi, chief magistrate.

Others are Prof. Danladi Yunusa-Hakimi, Abubakar Musa, Habila Daniel, Nana-Hauwa Isah, and Babangida Sani-Muji.

The commission is expected to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and make recommendations based on its findings.

The development comes amid separate investigations into the deaths by relevant authorities, following the reported deaths of 37 persons detained by the NSCDC in Niger.

 (NAN)