Ajia Demands Transparent Probe into Death of 37 Suspected Miners in NSCDC Custody
Oru Leonard
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Dan Amanan Fune of the Fune Emirate in Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Ajia, in a statement issued on Monday by his Director of Communications, Mallam AbdulRahaman Aliagan, described the incident as a grave tragedy requiring urgent answers from the relevant authorities.
The victims were reportedly among suspects arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Ajia expressed condolences to the Federal Government, the Niger State Government and, particularly, families of the deceased, while stressing that the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be thoroughly established.
He said the death of persons in state custody raises serious concerns about compliance with lawful detention procedures and the responsibility of security agencies to protect the lives and welfare of detainees.
According to him, suspects arrested for alleged offences are entitled to due process and must be investigated and prosecuted through established legal channels.
He urged security and law enforcement agencies to strengthen standards governing detention facilities, including adequate supervision, appropriate holding conditions, access to basic necessities and effective safeguards for persons in custody.
The APC chieftain also called for improved coordination among security agencies in tackling illegal mining, stressing that enforcement must be conducted in accordance with the law and with full respect for human rights and human dignity.
Ajia commended the Federal and Niger State governments for their intervention, as well as the police and administrative investigations into the incident.
He noted that the Federal Government had constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the arrests, detention and circumstances surrounding the deaths, while officers connected with the incident had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
He urged residents, particularly youths in Niger State, to remain calm and allow the investigative process to proceed without interference.
Ajia further called on the authorities to maintain regular communication with the affected families and the wider public as the investigation progresses.
He insisted that the investigation must establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and that anyone found culpable should be held accountable under the law, regardless of rank or position.
He said accountability, respect for human rights and professionalism in security operations were essential to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
Ajia prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families to bear the loss.
