21/09/2026
CFN PRESIDENT CONDOLES NIGER STATE GOVERNOR OVER MINERS' CUSTODIAL DEATHS, DEMANDS TRANSPARENT INQUIRY
The National President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Mrs. Hannatu Mershak, has expressed profound grief and deep concern over the tragic death of 37 suspected artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
In an official press statement released to journalists in Minna, the apex cooperative body extended its heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as to the bereaved families, relatives, and the people of Niger State over the tragic incident.
The CFN President also offered solemn prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and for divine strength, comfort, and fortitude for the families and loved ones left behind to mourn their loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. May Almighty God grant the departed souls eternal rest and give their families and the good people of Niger State the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
Underscoring the gravity and seriousness of the tragic occurrence, Mrs. Mershak aligned the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria with civil society organisations, community stakeholders, and concerned citizens in calling for a comprehensive, full, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected artisanal miners.
She stressed the importance of ensuring that the circumstances leading to the deaths are thoroughly established and that all relevant facts are brought to light through a credible and transparent investigative process.
According to the CFN President, the sanctity of human life must remain paramount, while justice, institutional accountability, due process, and respect for fundamental human rights must guide the response to the incident.
Mrs. Mershak further emphasised that a transparent investigation would help provide clarity to the bereaved families and the wider public, while also ensuring that appropriate lessons are drawn from the incident and that accountability is upheld where necessary.
The Cooperative Federation of Nigeria therefore joins the people of Niger State in mourning this tragic loss and extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased, the Government and people of Niger State, and all those affected by the incident.
The CFN called for calm, fairness, and a thorough investigative process capable of establishing the facts surrounding the deaths and addressing legitimate concerns raised by the families, civil society organisations, and members of the public.
The Federation reiterated its commitment to the principles of human dignity, justice, accountability, responsible governance, and the protection of lives and livelihoods, particularly within communities whose members depend on economic activities for their survival and wellbeing.
The CFN President concluded by urging all relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is conducted with transparency, impartiality, and diligence, in the interest of justice and public confidence.
