The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun an investigation into the death of 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state. As part of the investigation, a committee has been set up to interface with the parents of the deceased and survivors. The committee started its sitting in Minna on Tuesday at the Emir's palace. Parents of the victims have been sharing their experiences, seeking justice for their loved ones.
Emeka Onyenuchiyi, the father of 22-year-old Emmanuel Emeka, one of the deceased victims, has disclosed why he offered his son's body for autopsy. According to him, his son was not an illegal miner but was detained for six days on financial allegations before the incident occurred. Onyenuchiyi voluntarily agreed to the autopsy in the interest of justice, despite not having received his son's corpse yet. He noted that other parents might not have agreed to the autopsy, but he wanted to ensure justice was served.
Onyenuchiyi lamented that there had been no emissaries or show of empathy from the authorities, apart from invitations to appear before various committees. He said he had been going around to ensure justice for the victims since his son's demise. The father of the deceased also mentioned that he was attending his fourth or fifth committee, highlighting the numerous investigations into the incident. Onyenuchiyi's experience is not unique, as other parents have shared similar stories.
Another parent, 60-year-old Sani DanBauchi, who is the father of a 16-year-old victim, Abdullahi, said he had buried his son but expressed frustration with the numerous committee invitations. DanBauchi noted that despite hearing about donations, none had been disbursed to them. He also mentioned that they had been facing various committees without any support, including basic necessities like water.
The federal government committee is expected to conclude its interface with the parents of the deceased and survivors this week. The committee's goal is to gather information and ensure that justice is served. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of suspects in custody and the need for accountability.
In a related development, the Niger state government had set up a commission of inquiry into the death of the 37 miners. However, the commission has postponed its inaugural sitting indefinitely. The Governor of Niger State had inaugurated the commission to investigate the arrest, legality of the custody, treatment of the victims, and the circumstances of their deaths.
The investigation into the death of the 37 miners is ongoing, with multiple committees working to uncover the truth. Key points emerging from the investigation include the need for accountability, the importance of treating suspects with dignity, and the necessity of providing support to the families of the victims.
Key points
- The Federal Government has set up a committee to investigate the death of 37 miners in NSCDC custody.
- Parents of the victims are sharing their experiences, seeking justice for their loved ones.
- The investigation aims to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.
