Isaac Samuel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The suspected miners were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed concern over the reported deaths, describing the development as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
The President said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
He maintained that while the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
“Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care,” Tinubu said.
He directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“There must be accountability,” the President said.
Tinubu directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation covers the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
He stressed that the suspension of officers should not be regarded as a substitute for determining criminal responsibility.
“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” the President said.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process or frustrates efforts to establish the truth.
Tinubu condoled with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He also appealed for calm among affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” the President said.
