By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has called for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, said the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the conditions under which the detainees were held, the medical attention provided to them and those who survived, as well as the actual cause of death.
In a statement issued by his office on Sunday, the former Edo State governor said the fact that the deceased were arrested on allegations of illegal mining did not remove their right to humane treatment.
He said every person, regardless of the offence for which he or she was accused, deserved to be treated with dignity, respect and in accordance with the law.
Oshiomhole described the incident as tragic and urged relevant authorities to allow ongoing investigations to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He also called for an immediate assessment of detention and correctional facilities across the country to ensure that they meet acceptable standards of safety, sanitation, ventilation and human dignity.
The senator commiserated with the families, relatives and communities of the 37 deceased miners, praying for strength for them to bear the loss.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who survived the incident and are receiving medical attention.
Oshiomhole commended Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for what he described as their prompt response to the crisis and steps taken to commence investigations.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm while the authorities establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The senator stressed that accountability, justice and respect for human dignity must remain central to the administration of the country’s detention and security system.
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