By Joy Odor
The Nigeria Police Force is proceeding with its investigation into illegal mining activities in Rafin Gabbas, Nasarawa State, where several dead bodies have been recovered.
Despite a petition filed by the Commander of the Mining Marshal, ACC Attah John Onoja, against the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dissociated itself from the petition, stating that Onoja acted without authorization.
The NSCDC have directed Onoja to withdraw the petition and allow for an amicable resolution.
Meanwhile, CSC Afolabi Babawale, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC national headquarters, Abuja, assured that it will intensify their investigation, backed by a court order, to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify those responsible.
The villagers are demanding a thorough investigation, justice, and prosecution of those implicated.
One villager, John Mark, emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “It will be unfair if we don’t get justice for our brothers who have died in the sites.”
It would be recalled that the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, had expressed its displeasure over the petition allegedly filed by the Commander of the Mining Marshal, ACC Attah John Onoja, before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions concerning an alleged attack and shooting of its mining marshals by some police officers, including the alleged obstruction of its efforts to prosecute illegal miners arrested in Nasarawa State.
