FG Probes Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in Minna: 20 NSCDC Officers Suspended

The Federal Government is investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, according to reports by THISDAYLIVE and other news outlets. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended 20 officers over their alleged involvement in the incident. The suspended officers are said to have been deployed at a mining site where the deaths occurred. Northern senators, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Coalition of Development NGOs (CD) have called for an independent investigation into the tragedy. Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has also demanded a thorough probe. However, former military president Ibrahim Babangida, who is reportedly linked to the mining site, has denied ownership and called for a fair and unbiased investigation. This incident underscores the dangers faced by illegal miners and the need for stricter regulations in the mining sector.