Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju also demanded the prosecution of anyone found responsible for the deaths, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly investigated.
In a statement on Friday, Adeyanju described the deaths, which reportedly included minors, as “deeply tragic” and “a sad day for Nigeria.” The Statement reads, “The death of 37 suspected miners, including reportedly minors, in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna is deeply tragic and a sad day for Nigeria.
“This is a crime against humanity and perpetrators must face prosecution swiftly. It is unacceptable that people in State custody should die in such circumstances. Even in times of war, international humanitarian law imposes fundamental obligations concerning the humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty.
“The claim that 37 persons died from a disease outbreak must not be accepted without a credible, independent and transparent investigation. What happened when people first began falling ill? What medical attention did they receive? Where is the evidence?
Those responsible for this senseless killing of Nigerians, whether through unlawful acts, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence, must be held accountable. This is a truly sad day for Nigeria.”
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