Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has charged the 10-member independent committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners to ensure transparency and integrity.
Tunji-Ojo, who gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja, while inaugurating the committee in his office, also urged them to uncover the truth with a view to ensuring that justice prevailed.
He said the Federal Government was determined to uncover the truth, stressing that the committee was expected to work transparently, independently and without interference.
He, therefore, urged the committee members to uphold their longstanding integrity, saying their performance should justify the confidence reposed in them by the federal government.
The noted that the committee’s responsibility was not merely to investigate the incident, but to ensure justice for the deceased and prevent similar occurrences.
He mandated the committee to therefore identify the deceased, establish the immediate and remote causes, determine the time and place of their deaths as well as circumstances surrounding their arrest.
“Examine the legality and conditions of detention, compliance with relevant laws and human rights standards, allegations of torture, denial of medical care, and negligence or misconduct.
“Review medical and autopsy reports, interview relevant stakeholders, determine culpability, recommend sanctions or compensation where applicable and propose measures to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo noted that the federal government owed Nigerians the truth, hence, the need for the committee to unravel the truth.
According to him, no officer, irrespective of how high, will be shielded if found culpable.
He further charged the committee to ascertain the time and place of death, determine responsibility and examine all available evidence to establish the authenticity of reported details.
According to him, the government has received different figures concerning the incident, making it necessary for the committee to establish the facts independently.
He emphasised that the committee had just two weeks to complete its assignment, adding that an extension could be considered if necessary to ensure a thorough investigation.
“This report will not be swept under the carpet. Whoever needs to be prosecuted and dealt with in line with the law will face it,” he said.
The minister described the deaths as deeply disturbing, stressing that government institutions should remain places of safety, confidence and security, rather than sites of preventable deaths.
He said no life should be lost unjustifiably anywhere in the country, adding that the incident must serve as a catalyst for institutional reforms.
He revealed that two immediate measures had been taken following the incident, including the suspension of the officers involved and the state commandant of the corps.
He warned that anyone attempting to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would face the full weight of the law.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for directing a comprehensive and transparent investigation, saying the committee was inaugurated in honour of the deceased and for the continued peace of the country.
He prayed for wisdom, strength and courage for the committee members to conduct the assignment objectively and in the interest of Nigeria and humanity.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Directorate of State Services (DSS), assured that members accepted the assignment as a national call to service.
Kure said the committee would approach the investigation with open minds, devoid of sentiments, media pressure or preconceived conclusions.
“We are here to give justice where it is required. We can only get justice by leaving here and going to the field with open minds,” he said.
He assured Nigerians and the grieving families that the committee would establish the facts and return with a report that reflected its findings.
The chairman said members had served the country for several decades and understood the responsibility attached to their integrity and reputation.
“We will do the exercise and come back with our integrity intact. We must give hope to this country,” he emphasised.
He added that the committee’s work would be conducted in a manner capable of restoring public confidence while reassuring Nigerians that the country remained committed to justice.
In attendance were the 10 investigative committee members alongside heads of all the paramilitary agencies under the ministry.
Other members of the committee are Prof. Isa Chiroma (SAN), a former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, as Secretary, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hosea Karma.
Also in the committee are the former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and Proffesor of Histopathology, Olayinka Buhari, and the National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria, Liman Sulaiman.
Human rights activist and Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, Public Affairs Analyst, Dr George Agbakahi, Journalist Zainab Okino and two representatives from the state are also members of the committee.
