The Chairman of the Independent Investigative Committee probing the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, Jonathan Kure, has recommended the payment of one point four billion naira in compensation to the families of 33 victims and 44 survivors. 

Kure made this known in Abuja while presenting the committee’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. He said the deaths were avoidable, adding 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, N-S-C-D-C, and other officers directly involved in the detention of the miners and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. 

It further called for institutional reforms within the corps to strengthen its leadership and improve accountability. Receiving the report, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, pledged to implement the committee’s recommendations to ensure justice for all those affected. 

The minister also directed the commandant of the corps to immediately suspend officers alleged to have cleaned up the detention centre in an attempt to destroy evidence. The recommendations are expected to guide further action by the Federal Government in addressing the incident and preventing a recurrence.