The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced a preliminary investigation into the deaths of about 37 persons suspected to be artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, condemned the deaths and expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred after the suspected miners were arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area on September 15 and 16.
In a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the NHRC said the bodies of the deceased were later deposited at the General Hospital, Minna. Ojukwu commiserated with the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, while directing the Commission to establish the circumstances and cause of the deaths.
The NHRC boss called for an independent forensic autopsy and the preservation of all relevant evidence, stressing that investigations ordered by the Minister of Interior and the NSCDC must be transparent, thorough and conducted in line with international standards for investigating potentially unlawful deaths in custody.
Ojukwu emphasised that allegations of illegal mining cannot override the fundamental rights of persons arrested by law enforcement agencies, noting that every person in custody must be treated with dignity and in accordance with the law.
“Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full compliment of their fundamental human right in accordance with national and international human rights instruments,” the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said.
He also appealed to youths in Minna to remain calm and refrain from violence, assuring that the Commission would pursue accountability and ensure that appropriate remedies are provided where human rights violations are established.
