The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The union described the incident as a matter of grave public concern, insisting that authorities must establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether negligence, abuse, misconduct or breaches of detention procedures contributed to the tragedy.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, on Saturday, the NUJ said the government has a responsibility to guarantee the safety and humane treatment of every person taken into custody.
“When citizens are taken into government custody, the state assumes a responsibility for their safety and humane treatment. Any death in custody therefore demands clear answers, credible investigation and accountability where wrongdoing is established,” the union said.
The NUJ commiserated with the families, relatives and communities of the deceased, while appealing for calm as investigations continue.
The deaths of the 37 detainees have prompted investigations by federal and Niger State authorities. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation, while the Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to examine the incident.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has also directed the suspension of 20 NSCDC officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the investigation. The Niger State NSCDC Commandant had earlier been suspended.
The NUJ welcomed the steps taken by the Federal Government and Niger State Government but stressed that the credibility of the investigation would depend on its independence, impartiality, transparency and freedom from interference.
According to the union, investigators should establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest, transfer and detention of the victims, as well as the number of people held at the detention facility and the conditions under which they were kept.
It also demanded scrutiny of the adequacy of ventilation, sanitation, food, water and other basic necessities provided to the detainees.
The union said investigators should determine the medical condition of the detainees before and during their detention, the medical assistance available to them and the precise, scientifically established causes and manner of their deaths.
It further called for an investigation into whether overcrowding, negligence, abuse, misconduct or breaches of established detention procedures occurred and whether the actions or omissions of any individual or institution contributed to the deaths.
The actual cause of the deaths has not yet been conclusively established. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has said forensic and medical examinations are part of efforts to determine what happened, cautioning against premature conclusions.
The NUJ called for appropriate medical, forensic and autopsy examinations in accordance with applicable laws and professional standards, adding that the identities of the deceased and relevant findings should be properly documented and communicated to their families with dignity and sensitivity.
It also urged authorities to protect survivors, witnesses and families of the deceased from intimidation, harassment or retaliation throughout the investigation.
“Where the investigation establishes wrongdoing, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with due process and the law,” the union said.
While acknowledging the responsibility of government and security agencies to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s natural resources, the NUJ maintained that enforcement operations must comply with the Constitution, the 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,” it stated.
The union stressed that accountability and effective law enforcement were not mutually exclusive, noting that security agencies could enforce the law while respecting the rights and dignity of people in their custody.
“Deaths in government custody must never become an administrative afterthought. They require answers, accountability where wrongdoing is established, and effective measures to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again,” the NUJ added.
It called on the Federal Government, Niger State Government, NSCDC and relevant judicial, medical, security and human rights institutions to ensure that the investigation is concluded promptly, independently and without interference.
The union also demanded that the findings of the investigation be made available to the public.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of human life, transparency and accountability in public institutions, the rule of law and the right of every person in government custody to humane treatment.
