Northern senators demand probe into deaths of miners in NSCDC custody

Senators from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum, NSF, have called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the tragic incident.

According to the Senators, Nigerians must know who ordered the arrests, where the detainees were taken, who authorised their detention in the facility, whether the room was fit for human habitation, when the distress calls were made, who heard them, what action was taken, and the precise circumstances in which each victim died.

The Northern Senators said the investigation should involve the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, credible civil society organisations and independent forensic experts.

A statement signed on Saturday by the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, APC, Katsina Central, read, £The Northern Senators Forum joins the nation in mourning the reported deaths of 37 young Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The circumstances surrounding their deaths, in which they were reportedly confined in a small room and cried for help before they choked to death, are deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

“No Nigerian, regardless of the allegation against him, should lose his life in the custody of an agency established to protect lives and property. The sanctity of human life and the dignity of every person in custody must be upheld at all times.

“The Northern Senators Forum therefore demands an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the entire chain of events. Nigerians must know who ordered the arrests, where the detainees were taken, who authorized their detention in the facility, whether the room was fit for human habitation, when the distress calls were made, who heard them, what action was taken, and the precise circumstances in which each victim died. The investigation should involve the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, credible civil society organizations and independent forensic experts.

“We equally demand independent autopsies for all 37 victims, with representatives of the families and independent pathologists allowed to participate. If criminal negligence, unlawful detention, reckless conduct or any deliberate act contributed to these deaths, those responsible must be prosecuted, irrespective of their rank or position.

“This tragedy must also trigger a nationwide review of detention facilities operated by all security agencies to ensure that no Nigerian is ever again placed in a situation where a cry for help becomes a cry that nobody answers.

“The Northern Senators Forum commends the Federal Government for ordering a full and independent enquiry into this matter and the Niger State Government for the proactive steps taken so far, including support for the families and cooperation with investigators.

“The Northern Senators Forum extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people of Niger State. May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive the shortcomings of the departed, grant them Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give their families the fortitude to bear this immeasurable loss.”