MINNA, NIGERIA — No fewer than 33 suspected illegal miners are feared dead in Niger State after they were reportedly detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in an incident that has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the treatment of suspects in custody.
The incident, which occurred in the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state, involved miners who were allegedly arrested by NSCDC operatives during a crackdown on illegal mining activities. According to community sources, the miners were detained at a facility in the area when a tragic incident occurred, resulting in the deaths of 33 of them.
Details of the incident remain sketchy, but sources said the miners were reportedly held in an underground facility where they were allegedly kept without adequate ventilation, food, or water. It was gathered that the miners may have suffocated or died from dehydration and exhaustion after being left in the facility for an extended period.
The NSCDC has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources within the agency confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the matter. The Niger State Police Command also confirmed that it had received reports of the incident and was working with the NSCDC to ascertain the facts.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with human rights groups and community leaders calling for a thorough investigation and accountability. The National Human Rights Commission said it had commenced an independent inquiry into the matter and would hold those responsible accountable.
“This is a tragic and unacceptable incident. No matter what crime a person is suspected of committing, they are entitled to humane treatment and the protection of their fundamental rights. We will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is served,” said a spokesperson for the NHRC.
The Chairman of the Shiroro Local Government Area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the miners were arrested during an operation by the NSCDC. He said the community was devastated by the news and demanded a full explanation from the security agency.
“We are in shock. These were our sons and brothers. They may have been involved in illegal mining, but that does not justify their deaths. We demand a thorough investigation and justice for the victims,” he said.
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of illegal mining in Nigeria, which has been linked to environmental degradation, loss of revenue, and security challenges. The Federal Government has been cracking down on illegal mining operations across the country, but the crackdown has sometimes resulted in confrontations between security agencies and local communities.
Mining experts have called for a more humane and regulated approach to tackling illegal mining, noting that the use of force and detention without due process often exacerbates tensions and leads to tragic outcomes.
“We need to address the root causes of illegal mining, including poverty and lack of economic opportunities. Arresting and detaining miners without proper investigation and due process is not the solution. It only leads to more suffering and resentment,” said Dr. Emeka Okonkwo, a mining policy expert.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the families of the victims are demanding answers and justice. The NSCDC has been urged to cooperate fully with the investigation and to ensure that those responsible for the deaths are held accountable. For now, the community in Shiroro is in mourning, and the nation waits for the outcome of the investigation into one of the deadliest incidents involving illegal miners in recent memory.
