Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Oshiomhole described the incident as deeply tragic and one that demands a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation. He said that while the victims were arrested on allegations of illegal mining, every human being, regardless of the crime he or she is accused of, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and in accordance with the law.
He noted that investigations are still ongoing to establish the precise circumstances and cause of the deaths and urged all relevant authorities to allow the process to run its course. He stressed, however, that the incident should prompt immediate action to assess detention and correctional facilities across the country to ensure that they meet acceptable standards of safety, sanitation, ventilation and human dignity.
The Senator extended his heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives and communities of the 37 deceased miners, praying that God will grant them the strength to bear the painful loss. He also prayed for the quick recovery of those who survived the incident and are currently receiving medical attention.
Oshiomhole commended the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for their prompt response to the crisis and the steps taken to commence investigations.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm while the authorities establish the facts, stressing that accountability, justice and respect for human dignity must remain central to the administration of the nation’s detention and security system.
