Nigerians deserve answers over death of 37 artisan miners in NSCDC custody — Forum
By Anan Geolengs
The Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) has expressed shock and concern over deaths of 37 persons suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities while in custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Executive Director of CFSF, Sani Mohammed.
Mohammed described development as grave matter of public interest and serious human-rights concern, particularly because deceased were reportedly under state custody and, consequently, under responsibility of authorities for their safety and wellbeing.
He said while investigations are reportedly ongoing, CFSF calls for high-level, independent, impartial and transparent investigation to establish circumstances and exact causes of deaths.
He said investigation should examine conditions of detention, access to food, water and medical care, and whether negligence, abuse or any other violation of detainees’ fundamental rights occurred.
Mohammed reminded all law-enforcement agencies that being arrested or suspected of committing offence does not strip person of his or her fundamental human rights.
“Every detainee must be treated with dignity, humanity and utmost respect, irrespective of allegations against them,” he said.
He said tragedy should compel government to address deeper socio-economic conditions that push many young Nigerians into dangerous informal activities.
According to him, Nigeria’s deeply unequal and increasingly distressed political economy, unemployment, poverty, deprivation and limited opportunities for young people cannot be ignored in addressing proliferation of hazardous and illegal mining activities.
“CFSF does not condone illegal mining or environmental destruction. However, enforcement must be accompanied by economic inclusion, youth empowerment, community development and responsible management of Nigeria’s natural resources.
“Nigerians deserve answers to various accounts that are emanating from survivors of incident who allege that entire saga was instigated,” he said.
Mohammed called for independent and transparent investigation into deaths, credible forensic examinations and autopsies where necessary, accountability wherever negligence, abuse or other unlawful conduct is established.
He also called for immediate review of detention conditions and procedures and greater attention to socio-economic drivers of illegal and hazardous mining.
He commiserated with families of deceased and appealed for calm, adding that families deserve answers, public deserves truth, and where wrongdoing is established, justice must follow.