Niger Miners’ Deaths: Panel Seeks N1.4bn Compensation

Author: Gist Correspondent

An independent investigative committee has recommended N1.4bn compensation for the families of 33 miners who died in Niger State and 44 survivors of the incident.

The committee, chaired by Jonathan Kure, made the recommendation on Tuesday while presenting its report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

Kure described the deaths as avoidable, alleging that the victims, including 14 minors, were held under inhuman conditions.

The committee also recommended the summary dismissal of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other officers directly involved in the detention and eventual deaths of the miners.

It further called for institutional reforms within the NSCDC to strengthen leadership, accountability and operational standards.

Receiving the report, Tunji-Ojo pledged to implement the committee’s recommendations to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

The minister also directed the NSCDC commandant to immediately suspend officers allegedly involved in cleaning up the detention centre to destroy evidence.

The recommendations are expected to guide further action on accountability for the deaths and measures to prevent a recurrence.