The Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) has expressed deep shock and concern over the reported deaths of 37 persons suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
In a statement made available to this site and signed by Comrade Sani Baba Muhammad, Executive Director of the Citizens Free Service Forum, the organisation described the development as a grave matter of public interest and a serious human-rights concern.
According to the CFSF, the fact that the deceased were reportedly in state custody makes the circumstances surrounding their deaths particularly concerning, as authorities have a responsibility to safeguard the lives, health and wellbeing of persons in detention.
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While acknowledging reports that investigations are already underway, Comrade Sani called for a high-level, independent, impartial and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine their exact causes.
He said the investigation should examine the conditions under which the suspects were detained, including their access to adequate food, clean water and medical care, as well as whether negligence, abuse, ill-treatment or any other violation of their fundamental rights occurred.
“Law-enforcement agencies must be reminded that arrest or suspicion of involvement in a criminal offence does not strip any person of their fundamental rights. Every detainee is entitled to be treated with dignity, humanity and respect, irrespective of the allegations against them,” he said.
The CFSF also urged the government to look beyond the immediate circumstances of the deaths and address the broader socio-economic conditions contributing to the growth of dangerous and illegal mining activities across the country.
Comrade Sani noted that unemployment, poverty, deprivation, inequality and limited economic opportunities for young Nigerians are important factors that cannot be ignored when addressing the proliferation of hazardous informal mining.
“At the same time, this tragedy should compel government to address the deeper socio-economic conditions that push many young Nigerians into dangerous informal activities.
“Nigeria’s deeply unequal and increasingly distressed political economy, unemployment, poverty, deprivation and limited opportunities for young people cannot be ignored when addressing the proliferation of hazardous and illegal mining activities,” he added.
The organisation stressed that it does not condone illegal mining or the destruction of the environment. However, it maintained that effective enforcement should be complemented by economic inclusion, youth empowerment, community development and responsible management of Nigeria’s natural resources.
The CFSF therefore called for:
- An independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the reported deaths.
- Credible forensic examinations and autopsies, where necessary, to establish the causes of death.
- Accountability where negligence, abuse, ill-treatment or other unlawful conduct is established.
- An immediate review of detention conditions and procedures applicable to persons held in custody.
- Greater attention to the socio-economic factors driving illegal and hazardous mining activities.
Comrade Sani Baba Muhammad said the CFSF commiserates with the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as investigations proceed.
“The families deserve answers, the public deserves the truth, and where wrongdoing is established, justice must follow,” he concluded.
