Miners’ Union Demands Expansion Of Panel Probing Deaths Of 37 Miners

The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has demanded the immediate expansion of the independent investigative committee constituted to probe the death of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

NUMW, while commending the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for constituting the 10-member committee, said its composition should be broadened to include representatives of organised labour, the Niger State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders, medical professionals and civil society organisations.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Hamza Muhammad, the union said the inclusion of relevant stakeholders

was necessary for the investigation to command the confidence of workers, affected communities and the wider public.

“Our demand is that the Honourable Minister expands the committee to include” representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), NUMW’s national and Niger State councils, the Niger State Ministries of Solid Minerals and Health, traditional rulers, youth and community leaders, medical professionals, the Nigerian Bar Association and a reputable civil society organisation from the state.

NUMW said it was particularly concerned that the committee, as currently constituted, did not include the direct workers’ union of the deceased miners.

“The inclusion of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) is for mine owners, not mine workers. The deceased were workers, members of NUMW,” the union stated.

It called for the participation of the NLC, the NUMW national leadership and the Niger State Council, as well as representatives of the Niger State Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Ministry of Health.

The union also requested the involvement of representatives of the Etsu Nupe, the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, and traditional institutions in Minna and Kagara, as well as community and youth leaders from the areas where the victims originated.

On the medical aspect of the investigation, NUMW requested the inclusion of the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Niger State Chapter, and urged that Prof. Olayinka Buhari be supported by a Niger State-based pathologist familiar with the local environment.

The union also called for a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, and a reputable NGO or human rights organisation from Niger State to be added to the committee.

While making the demand, NUMW commended the Minister for acting swiftly following the deaths and also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing a transparent investigation.

The union further commended the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 officers involved in the incident, saying the action demonstrated seriousness on the part of the authorities.

“We are not rejecting the committee. We are commending the Minister and asking him to make it more inclusive, balanced and acceptable to all,” NUMW said.

The union maintained that “justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done” by the people of Shiroro, Munya and Niger State.

NUMW said it would cooperate fully with the investigation and had directed its Niger State Council to compile the names of the deceased and submit a memorandum to the committee.

It also urged its members to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting an expanded and inclusive investigation.