The incident at Minna shrine in Niger State has brought attention to the issue of human sacrifice in modern Nigeria. Recently, 37 artisanal miners died in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after being arrested during operations around M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto on September 15 and 16. The cause of death is still under investigation, with initial reports suggesting overcrowding, poor ventilation, and a suspected disease outbreak.
The incident has sparked a national conversation about the value of human life in Nigeria. According to Funke Egbemode, a columnist for the Nigerian Tribune, human sacrifice has taken on a new face in Nigeria, where the pursuit of wealth and greed has led to the exploitation and death of many innocent people. This phenomenon is not limited to mining but is a national issue that affects various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Egbemode argues that the country's economic system perpetuates human sacrifice, where the poor are forced to risk their lives for the benefit of the wealthy. The profile of those involved in the mining industry reveals a chain of people who profit from the suffering of others. While some individuals finance and supply equipment, others buy, transport, and sell minerals, often at the expense of the miners' lives.
The issue of illegal mining has also raised questions about the role of law enforcement and government agencies. The NSCDC has suspended officers involved in the incident and set up an independent committee to investigate. However, Egbemode argues that the problem goes beyond law enforcement and is a national issue that requires a more comprehensive approach.
The ages of the miners who died have also sparked outrage, with many being teenagers between 14 and 18 years old. At such ages, they should be in school or engaging in extracurricular activities, not risking their lives in mining pits. Poverty and hunger have rearranged childhood and stolen adolescence, forcing many young people into desperate situations.
Egbemode's argument is that Nigeria's national business model perpetuates human sacrifice, where wealth drives away, and poverty is arrested. The country has a talent for catching the poor who carry the burden of the economy while the wealthy individuals escape accountability. This phenomenon is not limited to mining but is evident in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The issue of human sacrifice in modern Nigeria requires a nuanced approach that addresses the root causes of poverty, inequality, and greed. While the government has taken steps to investigate the incident and suspend officers involved, more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that perpetuate human sacrifice in Nigeria.
Key points
- The recent deaths of artisanal miners in Niger State have sparked debate about human sacrifice in modern Nigeria.
- The country's economic system has been blamed for perpetuating human sacrifice, where the poor are forced to risk their lives for the benefit of the wealthy.
- The issue of human sacrifice in modern Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach that addresses poverty, inequality, and greed.
