By Paul Dada
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State.
Tinubu also warned that any government official found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, negligence or dereliction of duty must be arrested and prosecuted.
The deaths occurred following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
Reacting to the incident on Friday, Tinubu said the government would not allow the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining to be used as an excuse for violating their rights while 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,” the President said.
He added: “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 directed that the investigation should establish exactly what happened, including the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody and the conditions under which they were held.
The probe is also expected to determine the number of people detained at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events that led to their deaths.
The President said any official found culpable must face the law.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that the suspension of officers should not be regarded as the end of the matter, insisting that criminal responsibility must be established where the evidence supports prosecution.
“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,” he said.
He 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.
The President said the investigation must be “comprehensive, transparent and unhindered” to ensure that the truth about the deaths is established.
While expressing concern over the incident, Tinubu maintained that the government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities, but insisted that enforcement agencies must operate within the law.
“While the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country, enforcement operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person in custody,” he said.
He added: “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.”
Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those who died and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities.
He assured them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
