By Odita Sunday
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has vowed that the Corps will not shield any personnel found culpable in the incident that claimed a life in Minna, Niger State.
Audi gave the assurance during a condolence and courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, the parents of the deceased and the family of the survivor.
The NSCDC boss said justice and transparency would take precedence as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He assured the affected families that the Corps shared in their grief, while stressing that anyone found culpable would be made to face the consequences of his or her actions.
Audi also assured the public of the Corps’ full cooperation with the high-powered Presidential Investigation Committee constituted by the Federal Government to probe the incident.
According to him, the NSCDC had already taken steps to ensure that relevant personnel remained available to assist the committee in its investigation.
He disclosed that the affected personnel had been placed in protective custody to facilitate a transparent investigation and ensure that all relevant facts surrounding the incident are properly established.
The Commandant General said his visit was not only to commiserate with the bereaved families but also to identify with the community during a difficult period.
He also joined Muslim faithful in observing the third and seventh-day prayers for the deceased, noting the cultural and spiritual significance of the prayers in mourning and seeking strength for the bereaved.
Audi reiterated that the Corps would support every legitimate effort to establish the truth and ensure accountability.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir of Minna appreciated the Commandant General for personally visiting the community and identifying with the families in their moment of grief.
The monarch also commended the swift administrative measures taken by the NSCDC and the Corps’ cooperation with the Presidential Investigation Committee.
The Emir said the personal visit by the NSCDC boss demonstrated his concern for the community and the families affected by the incident.
The development comes as the Presidential Investigation Committee commences efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the NSCDC assuring that all relevant personnel and information would be made available to facilitate the investigation.
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