Civil society organisations in Niger State have expressed concern over the politicisation of the deaths of 37 artisanal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The groups, including the Open Government Partnership Non-State Actors Niger State and the Coalition of Civil Society Niger State, urged political parties and their supporters to treat the deaths as a human rights issue, rather than an opportunity for political point-scoring.
The deaths have triggered grief and tension across Niger State, with the groups warning against the "weaponisation" of the tragedy. They emphasised that the identity of those responsible, the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and any institutional failures must be established through credible investigations. The groups also stressed that the demand for justice must remain focused on determining what happened and securing accountability.
The civil society organisations urged political parties and other actors to support the Judicial Commission of Inquiry by encouraging witnesses, survivors, families, and members of the public with relevant information to submit credible memoranda to the panel. They also cautioned against political interference and premature media trials, saying that formal investigative processes should be allowed to establish the facts.
The groups called for adequate protection and support for survivors, eyewitnesses, and families who may possess information about the conditions in the NSCDC facility. They highlighted allegations of overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, which may have contributed to the deaths. The organisations also urged authorities to address the underlying conditions driving young people into artisanal mining.
According to the groups, poverty, hunger, and limited livelihood opportunities are factors contributing to the involvement of young people in unsafe and unregulated mining activities. They called for safe and regulated community-based solid mineral governance that would protect lives while allowing mining communities to benefit from their local resources.
The civil society organisations commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his response to the incident, including the inauguration of a nine-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry and declaration of three days of mourning. They expressed hope that the findings of the state inquiry and the ongoing federal investigation would translate into concrete reforms, particularly in detention facilities and procedures for handling suspects.
The groups stated that the deaths of the 'Minna 37' should become a catalyst for justice, accountability, and institutional reform, rather than deepen partisan divisions in Niger State. They emphasised that the focus should be on preventing a recurrence, protecting the rights of the deceased and their families, and promoting safe and regulated mining practices.
Key points
- Civil society groups urge political parties to treat 37 miners' deaths as human rights issue.
- Groups call for credible investigations and accountability.
- Organisations commend Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his response to the incident.
