The Niger State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, has demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna.
The institute also called for sanctions where wrongdoing or negligence is established and urged authorities to compensate and support the bereaved families.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Aliyu Jibo Garba, on Saturday, NIPR said the death of 37 people in custodial care was “profoundly disturbing” and required transparency, accountability and institutional responsibility.
It expressed concern over the reported handling and communication of the incident by NSCDC officials, saying the development contributed to public anger, protests and disturbances in parts of Minna.
NIPR said the incident had also raised concerns about public confidence in security institutions and the relationship between citizens and the state.
The institute commended the Niger State Government for measures taken to restore order and facilitate investigations.
It noted that investigations had been announced by federal and state authorities, including the NSCDC and police, while the state government had constituted its own committee.
NIPR urged the authorities to conclude the investigations within the shortest reasonable time, establish responsibility and apply appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing or negligence was found.
It also appealed to the bereaved families, youths, community leaders and residents to remain calm, warning against actions that could lead to further loss of lives or destruction of property.
“Anger is understandable; violence, however, cannot bring back the deceased or deliver justice,” the institute stated.
NIPR further cautioned against the spread of unverified information and inflammatory narratives, urging stakeholders to allow the investigations to proceed while insisting on transparency and accountability.
“The people of Niger State deserve truth. The bereaved families deserve justice. And the State deserves peace,” it further added.
Niger NIPR demands probe, sanctions over deaths of 37 suspected miners in NSCDC custody