President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the death of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State.
The President, in a statement issued Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, describing the development as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
The suspected illegal miners were reportedly detained following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
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President Tinubu said the life of every Nigerian matters, stressing that no citizen should lose their life while in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
He maintained that while the government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
The President directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions of detention, the number of persons held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
He further ordered the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process.
President Tinubu warned that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also clarified that the suspension of officers involved is only an administrative measure and must not replace a proper determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities.
He said the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” President Tinubu said.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
