The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, on Wednesday condoled with Governor Umaru Bago and the people of the state over the death of 37 artisanal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Vice Chairman of CAN in the state, Reverend Joshua Rikoto, who represented the State Chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna, led the delegation on a condolence visit to Governor Bago at the Government House, Minna.
Rikoto described the incident as tragic and deeply painful, calling for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He commended the state government for setting up a panel of inquiry and urged the families of the deceased and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues.
The CAN delegation also commended Governor Bago for his response to the incident and his administration’s development efforts across the state.
It congratulated the government on the appointment of members of the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, particularly those serving in the Christian Department, and prayed for the families of the deceased.
Responding, Governor Bago thanked the CAN leadership for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of love and solidarity with the government and people of Niger State.
The governor said his administration maintained a strong relationship with the Christian community, stressing that government and religious leaders had a shared responsibility to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.
On the deaths of the 37 miners, Bago described the incident as deeply troubling and preventable, assuring that his administration would not sweep the matter under the carpet.
He pledged that, in line with the oath of office he took, the government would pursue the investigation to its logical conclusion and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were fully addressed.
