Abuja: The Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners following their arrest during enforcement operations in Niger. The Executive Director of the organisation, Comrade Patrick Onomuodeke, made the call in a statement on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onomuodeke urged Nigerians to allow due process and avoid drawing conclusions until investigations into the deaths were concluded. He stated that the suspects were arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state, with their deaths discovered in the early hours of September 17.
Onomuodeke explained that an initial suggestion of a suspected disease outbreak was followed by a clarification from the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that the actual cause of death had not been established. The cause remains subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
‘Until the medical examinations and investigations are concluded, it would be unfair to attribute the deaths to a specific cause without evidence,’ he noted. Onomuodeke also highlighted that the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, had ordered a high-powered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which would examine the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions, and medical attention provided to them.
He added that the Niger State Police Command had also commenced a separate investigation into the incident. Onomuodeke emphasized that these investigations would help establish the facts and determine any necessary corrective measures. He remarked that enforcement against illegal mining is part of broader efforts to protect Nigeria’s natural resources and address activities that could undermine national development and economic security.
However, Onomuodeke stressed that enforcement should be accompanied by professionalism, proper procedures, and respect for human dignity. He urged the media, civil society organisations, and members of the public to avoid sensationalism while investigations and medical examinations were ongoing. The executive director also called on the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC to uphold transparency, professionalism, and accountability.
Onomuodeke urged the authorities to communicate the outcome of the investigations responsibly, stating that facts, accountability, and due process are necessary in addressing the incident. Gov. Umar Bago of Niger had also announced the constitution of a committee to investigate the root causes of the deaths. Bago assured that the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and NSCDC had formed committees to unravel the causes of the deaths, affirming that his administration valued the lives of citizens and would not tolerate injustice.