MINERS' DEATHS: FAMILIES DEMAND JUSTICE, RETURN OF PROPERTY

 

Families of 37 artisanal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have demanded justice, compensation and the return of property seized during their arrest.

The demand followed the submission of an investigative panel's report to the Federal Government, which attributed the deaths to overcrowding, extreme heat, dehydration and neglect.The miners, including teenagers, were arrested in September during operations against suspected illegal mining in Niger State.

 The panel found that detainees were kept in severely overcrowded and poorly ventilated facilities, without adequate access to drinking water and other basic necessities.The investigation also identified failures in supervision, disregard for distress calls and serious breaches of the duty of care owed to detainees.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government had referred the report to the Attorney-General of the Federation for immediate judicial action.However, some bereaved families and survivors say they are yet to see concrete steps towards accountability and the promised support.

They have also called for the return of motorcycles, mobile phones, mining equipment and gold allegedly seized during the arrests.One survivor, Dauda Shehu, said officers who demonstrated disregard for human life should not remain in positions of authority.

The incident has renewed concerns about custodial facilities, the treatment of suspects and the responsibility of security agencies to protect individuals in their custody.