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ATIKU DEMANDS TRANSPARENT PROBE INTO DEATHS OF 37 SUSPECTED MINERS IN NSCDC CUSTODY
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who di...
By Wavers Multimedia
Atiku said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be fully established and that the findings of the investigation should be made public.
The former vice president made the call on Friday while reacting to the deaths, which occurred after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities.
SUSPECTS DIED AFTER ARREST
The 37 victims were among people arrested by NSCDC personnel during operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The suspects were being held in custody when several were found dead in the early hours of September 17.
The NSCDC initially said the deaths were linked to a suspected disease outbreak and that the bodies had been taken to the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination.
The exact cause of death has not been established.
INVESTIGATIONS AND AUTOPSIES UNDERWAY
The Niger State Government has set up a committee to investigate the incident and ordered forensic examinations and autopsies.
The NSCDC has also launched its own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, how long they were held, the conditions inside the detention facility and the medical attention they received.
The Federal Government has suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Authorities have stressed that the investigations must establish what happened before conclusions are reached about responsibility.
ATIKU CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Reacting to the development, Atiku said people held in government custody were entitled to protection and humane treatment regardless of the allegations against them.
He welcomed the Federal Government's decision to suspend officials and begin an investigation but said the process should go further.
Atiku called for the investigation to be independent, thorough and transparent, with anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence held accountable.
He also said the families of the deceased deserved answers about how their relatives died.
PUBLIC OUTRAGE GROWS
The deaths have triggered anger in Niger State, with protests reported in parts of Minna.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state capital following unrest and reported destruction of property. The governor had also declared three days of mourning for the victims.
The incident has also intensified calls for authorities to establish the conditions under which the suspects were detained and what happened inside the facility before the deaths.
As investigations continue, officials have yet to release a final medical explanation for the deaths.