AKURE, NIGERIA — Former lawmakers in Ondo State have commiserated with the families of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State, describing the incident as a national tragedy that demands urgent reform of the security agency’s operations.
The former lawmakers, under the aegis of the Ondo State Former Legislators Forum, made their position known on Tuesday in a statement issued in Akure and signed by their Chairman, Hon. Olusegun Adebayo. They expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and urged the Federal Government to ensure that the investigation into the incident is transparent and that those responsible are held accountable.
“We received the news of the deaths of these 37 Nigerians with shock and deep sadness. This is a national tragedy of immense proportions. We commiserate with the families of the deceased and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement read.
The former lawmakers said the incident raised serious questions about the conduct of NSCDC officers and the conditions in which suspects are kept. They called for a comprehensive review of the agency’s operational guidelines and for the establishment of a framework that guarantees humane treatment of suspects in custody.
“The death of 37 people in custody is unacceptable. It is a violation of their fundamental human rights and a stain on the integrity of our security institutions. The NSCDC must be held accountable, and steps must be taken to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” they stated.
The forum also called on the National Assembly to intervene by conducting its own investigation into the incident and by enacting legislation that would strengthen oversight of security agencies. They noted that the incident was a reminder of the need for urgent reforms in the way security agencies handle illegal mining and other economic crimes.
“We cannot continue to treat suspects as if they are not human beings. Every Nigerian, regardless of what they are accused of, has a right to life and dignity. The government must ensure that our security agencies operate within the law and respect human rights,” the statement said.
The former lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to provide compensation to the families of the deceased and to initiate a programme that would provide alternative livelihoods for artisanal miners and their dependants. They noted that illegal mining was largely driven by poverty and unemployment, and that addressing these root causes was essential to preventing future tragedies.
“We need to address the root causes of illegal mining. Many of these young men and women are engaged in illegal mining because they have no other means of livelihood. The government must create opportunities for them, provide training and support, and ensure that they are not criminalised for trying to survive,” they stated.
The forum urged the Niger State Government and the Federal Government to ensure that the investigation into the incident is concluded speedily and that the findings are made public. They also called for the suspension of the NSCDC officers involved in the operation pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The families of the deceased deserve justice. The Nigerian people deserve accountability. We call on the government to act decisively and to ensure that this tragedy does not become just another statistic. We stand with the families of the deceased in this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
