The Middle Belt Rebirth Group (MBRG) has expressed solidarity with the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, following the death of 37 miners in Niger State.
In a statement signed by its Special Adviser on Media to the National Coordinator, Comrade Goodnews John, the group said it conducted what it described as a private fact-finding visit to the scene of the incident, where it interacted with relevant stakeholders as part of an independent inquiry.
According to the group, its findings did not establish any connection between the NSCDC Commandant General and the circumstances surrounding the miners’ deaths.
The MBRG therefore appealed to members of the public and the media to refrain from linking Prof. Audi to the incident until the relevant authorities complete their investigations.
The group described the NSCDC boss as a disciplined officer and a man of integrity, adding that his leadership had contributed to what it described as greater professionalism and respect for human rights within the Corps.
While expressing support for the Commandant General, the group also commiserated with the government and people of Niger State, as well as the families of the deceased miners, over what it described as a painful loss.
The MBRG further called for calm and restraint from all parties, urging Nigerians to await the outcome of the Committee of Enquiry constituted by the Federal Government to investigate the incident.
The group said it believed that the committee’s findings would help establish the facts surrounding the tragedy and ensure that justice is served.
“Justice must be served, but no innocent man should be vilified,” the group stated.
