NUJ Demands Independent Probe into Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger Custody
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, on Saturday, the NUJ described the incident as a matter of serious public concern, stressing the need for authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether negligence, abuse, misconduct or breaches of established procedures were involved.
The Union said that once citizens are taken into government custody, the state assumes responsibility for their safety and humane treatment.
“Any death in custody therefore demands clear answers, credible investigation and accountability where wrongdoing is established,” the NUJ said.
The Union commiserated with the families, relatives and communities of the deceased and appealed for calm as investigations into the incident continue.
The NUJ welcomed the decisions by the Federal and Niger State governments to investigate the incident, including the reported suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant pending investigation, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a full and transparent probe.
However, it stressed that the credibility of the investigation would depend on its independence, impartiality, transparency and freedom from interference.
The Union said the investigation must establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest, transfer and detention of the victims, the number of persons held at the facility and the conditions under which they were detained.
It also called for scrutiny of the adequacy of ventilation, sanitation, food, water and other basic necessities available to the detainees, as well as their medical condition and access to medical assistance.
According to the NUJ, authorities must also establish the precise and scientifically determined causes and manner of death and determine whether overcrowding, negligence, abuse, misconduct or breaches of detention procedures contributed to the incident.
It further called for investigations into whether the actions or omissions of any individual or institution played a role in the deaths.
The Union urged the authorities to conduct appropriate medical, forensic and autopsy examinations in accordance with the law and professional standards.
It also called for the proper documentation of the identities of the deceased and relevant findings, which should be communicated to their families with dignity and sensitivity.
The NUJ urged authorities to protect survivors, witnesses and relatives of the deceased from intimidation, harassment or retaliation, adding that anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with due process and the law.
While acknowledging the responsibility of government and security agencies to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s natural resources, the Union stressed that enforcement must be carried out within the framework of the Constitution, rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.
“Being suspected of illegal mining or any other offence does not remove a person’s right to humane treatment,” the Union said.
The NUJ maintained that law enforcement and accountability were not competing principles, noting that security agencies could enforce the law while respecting the rights and dignity of persons in their custody.
It urged the Federal Government, Niger State Government, NSCDC and relevant judicial, medical, security and human-rights institutions to ensure that the investigation is concluded expeditiously and independently, without interference.
The Union also called for the findings of the investigation to be made available to the Nigerian public and for measures to be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of human life, transparency and accountability in public institutions, the rule of law and the fundamental right of every person in custody to humane treatment.
