MINNA, NIGERIA — A chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party in Niger State, Yakubu Kingsley, has urged the panel investigating the deaths of 37 suspected artisanal miners in Minna to conduct a transparent and thorough inquiry, warning that anything short of accountability would erode public trust in the government’s commitment to justice.
Kingsley made the call on Tuesday in Minna while reacting to the constitution of the panel by the Niger State Government and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The miners reportedly died while in the custody of the NSCDC following a crackdown on illegal mining activities in Shiroro Local Government Area.
“The deaths of these 37 Nigerians is a national tragedy. The panel must be transparent, and its findings must be made public. The families of the victims deserve to know the truth, and Nigerians deserve to know what happened,” Kingsley stated.
The PRP chieftain said the panel should include independent representatives from civil society, human rights organisations, and the Nigerian Bar Association to ensure credibility. He also called for the suspension of the NSCDC officers involved in the operation pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Anything less than a transparent investigation will be seen as a cover-up. The government must demonstrate that it is serious about accountability. The panel should have independent members, and the findings should be made public. The officers involved should be suspended to allow for an unbiased investigation,” he said.
Kingsley also called for compensation for the families of the deceased, noting that the deaths had left many households without breadwinners. He urged the Federal Government to initiate a comprehensive review of the operations of security agencies involved in enforcing mining laws, with a view to ensuring that the rights of suspects are protected.
“The government must also address the root causes of illegal mining, including poverty and lack of economic opportunities. You cannot solve this problem with arrests and detention alone. We need a more humane and sustainable approach,” he said.
The Niger State Government has constituted a panel to investigate the incident, and the NSCDC has said it will cooperate fully with the inquiry. The National Human Rights Commission has also commenced an independent investigation into the matter.
Kingsley urged the public to remain calm and to allow the panel to complete its work, but stressed that the outcome must reflect the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability. “We will be watching closely. If the panel fails to deliver justice, we will take further action. The lives of these 37 Nigerians must not be in vain,” he said.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with many calling for reforms in the way security agencies handle illegal mining and other economic crimes. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are demanding answers and justice. For now, the PRP chieftain’s call for transparency has added to the pressure on the government to ensure that the probe is credible and that those responsible for the deaths are held accountable.
