The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, has expressed condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking on behalf of the Commission’s Governing Board and Management, Dr. Tsenyil described the incident in Minna as a tragic loss and extended his sympathies to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families and all those affected by the deaths.
He said the Commission views safe, organised and well-coordinated mining activities as essential to unlocking the vast mineral resources of the North Central region and driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
According to him, the NCDC remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible mining practices and ensure that safety standards are strictly observed in the exploration and exploitation of the region’s mineral resources.
Dr. Tsenyil recalled that participants at the recently concluded North Central Stakeholders Development Summit extensively discussed the region’s mineral wealth and the need for responsible exploitation. He noted that recommendations from the summit would help shape the Commission’s policy direction and future interventions in the mining sector and other areas of economic development.
The NCDC boss also commended the swift actions taken by the Niger State and Federal Governments to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the incident and to prevent a recurrence.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of the suspected miners, stressing that every Nigerian life matters and that no citizen should die in government custody as a result of negligence. The Niger State Government has also pledged its full cooperation with the investigation.
Dr. Tsenyil prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families, friends, as well as the Government and people of Niger State, the strength to bear the painful loss.
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