By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has visited the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, as well as the families of the deceased and the survivor of the recent incident involving suspected illegal miners in Niger State.Audi made the condolence and courtesy visits on Thursday to personally identify with the affected families and the Minna traditional institution at a time of profound grief.During his interactions with the bereaved families, the Commandant General expressed his condolences and assured them that the Corps would not shield any personnel found culpable in the incident.He stressed that the NSCDC remained committed to transparency, accountability and justice, adding that anyone established to have acted wrongfully would be made to face the appropriate consequences.On the ongoing investigation, Audi said the Federal Government, acting on the directive of the Presidency, had constituted a high powered investigative committee to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.He assured the families and the public that the NSCDC would provide the committee with full cooperation and access to all relevant personnel and information required to facilitate a transparent investigation and any subsequent judicial process.The Commandant General also joined the Muslim faithful in observing the third and seventh day prayers for the deceased, noting the importance of the prayers in seeking Allah’s mercy for the departed and strength and comfort for the bereaved families.Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir of Minna expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for his personal visit, the administrative measures already taken by the Corps and its cooperation with the Presidential investigative committee.The royal father also commended Audi for identifying with the community and the bereaved families during their period of mourning.