By Fatima Abubakar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The President, who expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, said the life of every Nigerian matters and warned that the government would not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu directed the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests and deaths of the detainees following enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
He said that while the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons 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 that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Tinubu directed that the investigation should cover the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
The President also stressed that the suspension of officers involved would only constitute an administrative measure and must not replace the determination of criminal responsibility where 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 further directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process or frustrates efforts to establish the truth.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls, while appealing 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.
“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,” the President said.
