Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Federal Government has pledged that any person found responsible for the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State will face accountability.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement on Friday while commiserating with the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community and the families of the deceased.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.
Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be subjected to a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation before responsibility could be established.
He stressed that the government would not prejudge the outcome of the probe, adding that its immediate priority was to establish the facts and ensure justice was served.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
“The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” he said.
The minister said the Federal Government considered the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians a serious responsibility.
He noted that steps had already been taken to determine what led to the deaths following the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Tunji-Ojo had also directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted into the incident.
According to Idris, the suspension of the commandant demonstrated the seriousness with which the government viewed the matter.
“The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and other unlawful activities capable of undermining national security, damaging the environment and depriving the country of its economic resources.
He, however, stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and in a manner that protects human life and dignity.
The deaths followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners during NSCDC enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody.
He said forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to determine the cause of the deaths.
The NSCDC also constituted an investigative team to examine the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention provided to them.
The cause of the deaths has not yet been established.
Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for accountability over the deaths, saying anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held accountable.
Atiku said the families of the deceased deserved “the truth” and “justice” and called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and other parts of Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
He expressed the Federal Government’s condolences to the families of the deceased, the Wushishi community and the Niger State Government, assuring them that the government remained committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families and the people of Niger State.