Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the deaths of 37 miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The commission, chaired by Justice Mohammed Mohammed, comprises nine members and is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and determine the circumstances, causes and other factors surrounding their deaths.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor said the commission was established in accordance with the law to get to the root of the incident and establish the facts surrounding the deaths.
The commissioners are Mohammed Ndamitso, Joseph Kolo, Hafsat Abdullahi, Danladi Hakimi, Abubakar Musa, Habila Daniel, Nana Isah and Babangida Muji.
Mohammed Kutigi was appointed Secretary of the commission, while Usman Baba will serve as Lead Counsel.
Sarah Gana, Aminu Alkali and Hamza Mashegu were also appointed as Counsel to the commission, while Abdulrahman Yahaya will serve as Assistant Secretary.
According to the state government, the inquiry is expected to provide an independent account of what transpired and determine whether any individual or institution bears responsibility for the deaths.
The commission was also tasked with examining relevant evidence and testimonies that could shed light on the detention and deaths of the affected persons before submitting its findings and recommendations to the state government.