A civil society organisation, CREAP Africa Initiative, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state. The organisation's Executive Director, Sylvanus Udoenoh, released a statement condemning the violence that followed the incident.
The CREAP Africa Initiative emphasised that citizens have a legitimate right to demand answers, express grief, assemble peacefully, and call for accountability. However, the organisation also stated that the destruction of homes, businesses, vehicles, and public property, as well as attacks on innocent residents, arson, and other acts of violence, cannot be justified as legitimate protests.
The organisation extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, noting that the loss of 37 lives while in state custody is a matter of profound public concern. CREAP Africa Initiative demanded a swift, independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the incident. The organisation stressed that the exact circumstances and cause of the deaths must be established through credible evidence.
According to reports, there are differing accounts of the incident, including an initial suggestion of a possible disease outbreak and accounts from survivors pointing to severe overcrowding and inadequate ventilation. These conflicting accounts make an independent investigation even more necessary, the organisation said.
CREAP Africa Initiative emphasised that detention does not strip anyone of their fundamental rights, and a person suspected of committing an offence remains entitled to humane treatment, due process, dignity, and protection of life. The organisation called for the investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of all 37 deceased persons, the actual cause and manner of each death, and whether detention procedures, medical screening, and custodial standards were followed.
The organisation demanded that where evidence establishes criminal responsibility or serious misconduct, those responsible must face prosecution in accordance with the law. CREAP Africa Initiative also stressed that suspension of officials is an important administrative step, but suspension must not become a substitute for accountability.
The organisation condemned the violence that followed the deaths and urged the people of Niger State to remain calm and reject further violence, destruction, and retaliation.
Key points
- The civil society organisation demands a swift, independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger state.
- The organisation emphasised that detention does not strip anyone of their fundamental rights.
- The organisation urged the people of Niger State to remain calm and reject further violence, destruction, and retaliation.
