NIGER ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CONDEMNS DEATHS OF ILLEGAL MINERS IN NSCDC CUSTODY, COMMISERATES WITH FAMILIES, DEMAND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin Daji, has expressed profound shock, grief and grave concern over the tragic deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.

This is contained in a statement by the head of information and public relations Ruqayyah M Tanko.

The Speaker described the incident as deeply disturbing, tragic and unacceptable, stressing that the reported loss of 37 lives while in lawful custody is a grave matter that demands urgent, transparent and comprehensive investigation.

The Niger State Government has confirmed the death toll and declared three days of mourning in honour of the victims.

Rt. Hon. Sarkin Daji strongly condemns the circumstances surrounding the deaths and insists that every question arising from the incident must be answered.

He said that while the fight against illegal mining remains a legitimate responsibility of security and law-enforcement agencies, the enforcement of the law must never be divorced from respect for human life, human dignity and fundamental rights.

“The loss of 37 lives in custody is heartbreaking and deeply troubling. Whatever the circumstances that led to this tragedy, the lives lost cannot be reduced to mere statistics. These were human beings, sons, brothers, fathers and members of families who deserve answers, justice and dignity.”

The Speaker stressed that being arrested or suspected of committing an offence does not deprive any person of the right to humane treatment and protection of life while in custody.

He therefore called for a thorough, impartial, transparent and credible investigation into every circumstance surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the detainees upon arrest, the number of persons held in the facility, the duration of their detention, the condition of the detention environment, medical attention provided, emergency response and the definitive medical cause of death.

The NSCDC has already constituted a high-powered investigative team, while the Niger State Police Command has commenced a separate investigation. The NSCDC has also stated that the actual cause of death remains subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.

The Speaker said the investigations must be allowed to establish the facts without fear or favour, adding that where negligence, misconduct, abuse, failure of duty or any other wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held appropriately accountable.

“There must be no cover-up and no attempt to suppress the truth. The people of Niger State deserve to know what happened, the families of the deceased deserve answers, and justice must be allowed to take its course.”

COMMISERATION WITH FAMILIES AND GOVERNMENT

Rt. Hon. Sarkin Daji, on behalf of the Niger State House of Assembly, extends his deepest condolences and heartfelt commiseration to the immediate families, relatives and loved ones of all those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

He also commiserated with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Niger State Government, the people of Niger State and the communities affected by the tragedy, describing the incident as a painful loss to the State.

The Speaker acknowledged the decision of the Niger State Government to declare three days of mourning and expressed solidarity with the Government and people of the State during this difficult period.

He prayed that Allah SWT forgive the deceased, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and give their families the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Speaker also urged the families of the deceased and members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing investigations, assuring them that the House of Assembly will continue to follow developments surrounding the incident.

He further called on the relevant authorities to ensure that all persons currently in custody are adequately protected, medically attended to and kept in conditions that safeguard their lives and dignity, so as to prevent any further loss of life.

Rt. Hon. Sarkin Daji reiterated that the Niger State House of Assembly stands firmly with the bereaved families and the State Government at this moment of grief.

“This is a moment for Niger State to mourn, to seek the truth and to demand accountability. We stand with the families of the deceased and with the Government and people of Niger State. We must ensure that this tragedy is fully investigated and that every necessary lesson is learnt to prevent a recurrence.”

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Niger State House of Assembly to supporting lawful efforts aimed at establishing the truth, protecting human life, upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability wherever responsibility is established.