The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the deaths of about 37 suspected artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commission also called for an independent forensic autopsy and the preservation of all evidence relating to the deaths.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, in a statement on Friday, said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable where wrongdoing is established.
The incident reportedly occurred after the suspected miners were arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16. Their bodies were later deposited at the General Hospital, Minna.
Ojukwu said the Commission had commenced a preliminary investigation to ascertain the cause of death and establish what transpired while the victims were in custody.
He stressed that the investigation ordered by the Minister of Interior and the NSCDC must be transparent, thorough and consistent with international standards for investigating potentially unlawful deaths in custody.
The NHRC boss commiserated with the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State over the incident.
He also reminded law enforcement agencies that allegations of illegal mining do not remove the constitutional rights of persons arrested or detained.
“Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full compliment of their fundamental human right in accordance with national and international human rights instruments,” Ojukwu said.
He urged youths in Minna to remain calm and avoid any action that could lead to violence, assuring that the Commission would pursue accountability and appropriate remedies if human rights violations were established.
The statement was signed on Ojukwu’s behalf by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Mrs Fatimah Agwai Mohammed.
