The Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday night, Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, described the incident as deeply tragic and one that demands a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
He said while the victims were arrested over allegations of illegal mining, every person, irrespective of the offence alleged against him, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the law.
Oshiomhole noted that investigations were still ongoing to establish the precise circumstances and cause of the deaths and urged all relevant authorities to allow the process to run its full course.
He, however, stressed that the incident should prompt immediate action to assess detention and correctional facilities across the country to ensure they meet acceptable standards of safety, sanitation, ventilation and human dignity.
The senator extended his condolences to the families, relatives and communities of the deceased, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. He also prayed for quick recovery of those who survived the incident and are currently receiving medical attention.
He commended the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for their prompt response and for initiating investigations.
Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to remain calm while authorities establish the facts, stressing that accountability, justice and respect for human dignity must remain central to the administration of the nation’s detention and security system.
