Former Deputy Gov. Ketso Condoles with Families, Nigerlites Over Mass Custody Death

By YM Bina

The former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso  has expressed shock, deep sorrow, and heartfelt condolences over the tragic and untimely death of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.

Alhaji Ahmed Ketso in a statement issued in Minna, described the incident as an unparalleled disaster and a monumental tragedy that has pierced the hearts of all citizens across the state and the nation.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep submission to the will of Almighty Allah that I extend my most sincere condolences to Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Government, the traditional institutions, and the entire good people of Niger State.”

The former Deputy Governor noted that the loss of 37 young lives under any circumstance is devastating, but their demise while in law enforcement custody makes it uniquely agonizing.

He emphasized that the protection of human dignity and the fundamental right to life must remain sacrosanct during all security and regulatory enforcement operations.While commending Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his swift response in constituting a Committee of Inquiry and declaring a three-day period of state mourning.

Alhaji Ketso urged the affected communities and youth groups to maintain absolute calm. He appealed to all aggrieved parties to avoid taking  law into their own hands and to allow investigative panels the necessary room to unearth the truth.”We must allow a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to run its full course,”

Ketso added. “The families of these deceased citizens deserve absolute transparency, truth, and definitive justice. No single individual found negligent or culpable in this tragedy should be shielded from accountability”.

He prayed for Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the departed souls, grant them eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give their immediate families,  and the entire state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.