The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a probe into the deaths in custody of some arrested illegal miners in Niger State.
Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, announced that the Deputy Commander-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation is head of the panel.
The victims, whose number is yet to be made public, died between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Also yesterday, 20 miners were feared dead following the collapse of a mining pit in Bali Local Government, Taraba State.
NSCDC confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State NSCDC Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
‘NSCDC Commandant General Audi has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
‘The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.
‘The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for autopsy.
‘The Corps is also working with the relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken.’
The NSCDC also clarified reports attributing the deaths to a specific disease, adding that it remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps urged the public to exercise restraint on speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.
‘The Commandant General also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given utmost priority, while necessary measures are taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.
The Corps assured families of the deceased that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on facts.
‘While the NSCDC remains resolute in its mandate to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets, the Corps also remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody, a statement from the NSCDC said.
An official of the NSCDC in the Niger State Command said 33 arrested illegal miners died.
He said he could not give the circumstances of the death and did not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak.
The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, also ordered the immediate commencement of an investigation into the unfortunate death.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID Minna, is to take charge of the investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these suspects.
Elleman called on family members, relatives, and members of the public who may have credible information and other details that could aid the investigation process to come forward to SCID Minna and render such information, while urging members of the public, residents, family members and acquaintances of the victims to remain calm, law-abiding, cooperate and support the investigative efforts.
No fewer than 20 people are feared dead in a mining pit collapse yesterday in Mayo Kam community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Among those believed to have died are women and children, a member of the community said.
Details of the incident were sketchy at press time yesterday.
A resident of Mayo Kam, Kenneth Ayila, told our correspondent: ‘A mining pit has collapsed on miners at Mayo Kam village in Bali Local Government Area this afternoon. Over 20 people are feared dead.’
Also speaking, a community leader, Mallam Usman Bello, said the tragedy has left the community in total shock.
‘Those killed in the mining pit are mostly from Mayo Kam community; only a few persons used to come from outside communities to mine in the pit. We are in total shock over the incident,’ Bello said.
When contacted, Taraba State Police Command spokesman, Victor Msherizar, said the Command was yet to receive a report from the Area Command in Bali.
‘As soon as we get the details, I will give you information,’ he said.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over illegal mining activities in the state, particularly amid reports of an existing ban on illegal mining.