Rights Group Demands Independent Probe Of Suspected Illegal-miners’ Deaths

A human rights organisation, Hope Behind Bars Africa, has filed a petition before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), calling for investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state.

The organisation in a statement signed by its communication associate, Ogechi Ogwuma, described the incident as a grave failure of the state’s duty to protect lives, demanding an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths.

It argued that the suspects had not been tried and convicted, hence they were entitled to the presumption of innocence and irrespective of the allegations against them, they remained bearers of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to Hope Behind Bars Africa, the suspects entered the custody of the Nigerian state alive which assumed responsibility for their safety and welfare but 37 of them are now dead.

“Reports emerging from survivors raise profoundly disturbing questions about the conditions in which the deceased were detained, including allegations of severe overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, extreme heat and lack of access to water.

“Survivors have described being packed into a cell in conditions in which they struggled to breathe, repeatedly called for help. These allegations must be subjected to rigorous and independent investigation. If established, they would represent an appalling failure of the most basic standards of humane detention.

“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not diminish the value of their lives. We welcome the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant but stress that accountability must extend to every officer who exercised command, custodial, supervisory or welfare responsibility over the facility during the relevant period,” the statement said.