President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday ordered a complete and open investigation into the deaths of some miners who were caught illegally and detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, stressing that the life of every Nigerian matters.
The illegal miners died while being held by the NSCDC after enforcement actions carried out around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate, located in Minna, Niger State.
However, Tinubu said no citizen should die while being held by government officials because of carelessness, mistreatment, unfair treatment or failure to do their job.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed worry about the reported deaths, calling the situation a major issue that requires immediate investigation and accountability.
He said: “The federal government will keep working to stop illegal mining and other crimes throughout the country, but all law enforcement actions must follow the law carefully and treat everyone who is detained with respect and protect their basic rights.
“The fact that these people were suspected of illegal mining does not take away their right to live, be treated with respect, and receive humane treatment while they are in government care.
“The government will not allow many people to die because of carelessness, lack of responsibility, or failure by those in public service to keep the people they are responsible for safe.
“If the investigation shows that any official, by their actions, abuse of power, or failure to do their job, was involved in causing these deaths, that person should be arrested and taken to court according to the law. There must be accountability.”
Life of every Nigerian matters – Tinubu orders probe of Minna illegal miners’ death