By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Two Nigeria's former Presidents, Gen. Babangida Badamasi Babangida (IBB) and Gen. Abdulsalam Abubarkar has joined other concerned Nigerians in condemning the death of 37 artisans in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state chapter has expressed sadness over the deaths of alleged illegal miners and called for independent probe to unearth the level of negligence of those saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and properties of citizens.
Babangida and Abdulsalam in their separate reactions to the deaths of the youngsters called for thorough investigation into what led to the arrest, detention and eventual death of the artisans.
The CAN chairman, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna in a statement expressed deep sense of pain and condemned the wanton and sudden death of 37 young artisanal miners who were in the custody of the Civil Defense.
The CAN chairman said, "This is totally unacceptable, very tragic and we calling on the government to set up committee of inquiry to ascertain what actually happened that led to their deaths".
"On behalf of the Executive Council, I extend the deepest condolences of the entire Christendom in Niger state to our Governor, Umaru Bago and Nigerlites, especially the relatives of the victims".
"Let me also call on relatives and residents to remain calm and law abiding so that the relevant bodies can unravel the cause of what has bedevilled us".
Yohanna who is the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese prayed God to grant the departed souls eternal rest.
Meanwhile, a new Commandant, A S Kabara has been deployed to Niger state to replace, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye who is among 20 NSCDC personnel tgat has been suspended by the federal government.
Press statement signed by, DSC Abubakar M R Muti, CDPRO, Niger state command, for state Commandant said the new Commandant has resumed duty. NNL.
