Breaking news: NSCDC commander suspended as Niger investigates mass deaths in custody

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has confirmed the death of 37 alleged illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.

In a statement on Thursday, the governor announced the formation of a commission of inquiry into the incident.

Governor Bago further disclosed that the state commander of the NSCDC and others connected to the incident have been suspended with immediate effect.

According to him, “This morning we woke up to the sad news that 37 miners have died while in the custody of the NSCDC in Minna. We are saddened because, whatever happened, the life of human being is sacred. The Commandant General of the NSCDC is currently out of the country, but we are in discussions with his deputy. The state commander of the corps in Niger has been suspended immediately.”

He sympathized with the families of the deceased and called for calm and peace.

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