Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has condemned the deaths of 37 suspected miners, including alleged minors, while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju called the deaths a “crime against humanity” and demanded swift prosecution for anyone found responsible.
“This is a crime against humanity and perpetrators must face prosecution swiftly. It is unacceptable that people in State custody should die in such circumstances,” he said.
He also rejected the reported claim that the 37 people died from a disease outbreak without an independent probe.
“The claim that 37 persons died from a disease outbreak must not be accepted without a credible, independent and transparent investigation.
“What happened when people first began falling ill? What medical attention did they receive? Where is the evidence?” he asked.
Adeyanju said anyone linked to the deaths through unlawful acts, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence must be held accountable.
“Those responsible for this senseless killing of Nigerians, whether through unlawful acts, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence, must be held accountable,” he said.
He called it “a truly sad day for Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended Niger NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye over the deaths and ordered a full-scale investigation.
The ministry said the incident happened early Friday after suspected illegal miners were arrested during operations on September 15 and 16.
“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.”
The minister added: “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this.”
