By NAOMI ISHAKU-BUGO

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olatunji Disu, has pledged a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger.

Disu gave the assurance when he paid a condolence visit to Gov. Umaru Bago in Minna on Thursday.

The I-G said that the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“Cases of deaths while in custody are very serious and fall within the purview of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We have already taken charge of the scene of the incident to preserve its integrity and ensure that nothing is removed or added,” he said.

Disu appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that due process would be followed.

He said the police would not compromise the investigation and would take appropriate action based on its findings.

Responding, Bago commended the I-G for visiting the state to commiserate with the government and people over the incident.

The governor also appreciated the police and other security agencies for their efforts in managing the situation and maintaining peace in the state.

Bago disclosed that the state government had suspended mining activities across the state pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.

He assured the police and other security agencies of the state government’s readiness to provide all relevant information in its possession to facilitate the investigation.

The governor expressed hope that the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and guide appropriate action. (NAN)