…….Demand Transparent Probe Into Death Of 37 Illegal Miners.
Emmanuel ClementÂ
The House of Representatives Candidate for Allied Peoples Movement (APM),Hon. Ikechukwu Philips Onwuka has commiserated with the Government and people of Niger State over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
The victims were arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the Wushishi / Kato axis of the state, before the incident that has thrown families and communities into mourning.
In a press release signed by his Digital Media and Communications, Capital Movement, Hon. Onwuka described the incident as deeply tragic and profoundly disturbing.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, the Niger State Government, traditional leaders and all those affected by the painful incident.
The statement noted that authorities have commenced investigations and forensic examinations to establish the exact circumstances and cause of death, but stressed that every life lost in custody deserves a credible and transparent inquiry.
“Every human life is precious, and every death under circumstances such as these deserves a transparent and credible investigation. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who are mourning their loved ones at this difficult time,” Onwuka said.
He called on the Federal Government to immediately investigate the deaths, insisting that no citizen should lose his life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
“The life of every Nigerian matters and no citizen should lose his life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty,” he stated.
Onwuka stressed that being suspected of illegal mining does not strip any Nigerian of his fundamental right to life, dignity and humane treatment.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody. I am deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the deaths,” he said.
“These were human beings – sons, fathers, brothers and loved ones, whose families had every right to expect that, whatever allegations they faced, the state would protect their lives and dignity while they remained in its custody. No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all, the right to life.”
He commended the Federal Government for the swift decision to suspend the officers under whose watch the tragedy occurred and to order a full investigation, but said that must not be the end.
“That is an important first step, but it must not end there. The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent and its findings must be made public. Anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence must be held fully accountable,” Onwuka added.
He maintained that the families of the deceased deserve more than condolences.
“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence,” he said.
Onwuka concluded by reiterating his prayers and thoughts for the government and people of Niger State.
