North Central Youths React to Deaths of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody

Youths from the North Central region of Nigeria, under the North-Central Indigenous Youth Council, have spoken out against the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State. They called the incident barbaric, inhuman, and unacceptable.

This information came in a statement signed by Dr JM Abbah, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, which was shared with reporters in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, on Sunday.

The PUNCH reported that these 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody after their arrest during operations against illegal mining in Niger on September 15 and 16.

The statement revealed that the Council was shocked and outraged by the news. Abbah said, “The incident points to gross negligence, unprofessionalism, overcrowding and disregard for human rights and custodial standards.”

The NCIYC criticized the initial claim about a “suspected disease outbreak.” They called this response insensitive and an attempt to hide institutional failure.

The Council demanded a transparent, independent forensic autopsy. They also called for the prosecution of all officers found responsible for the deaths.

Meanwhile, they praised Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, for his quick response to this tragedy. They noted his actions, which included confirming the incident, establishing an independent State Government Committee of Inquiry, ordering full forensic examinations and autopsies, and declaring a three-day mourning period.

The Council also appreciated the Governor for canceling the All Progressives Congress political rally that was set for Saturday, September 19 in Minna. They noted his efforts to work with federal security agencies, including the NSCDC, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Department of State Services to ensure thorough investigations.

“We also want to thank the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for ordering the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and his team, and for assuring Nigerians of a transparent investigation.

Abbah urged the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, to treat illegal mining as a national security and economic emergency going forward.

The North-Central Indigenous Youth Council also called for a Joint Mining Protection Task Force to be set up at mining sites. They want to formalize artisanal miners into licensed cooperatives.

“We call for the establishment of a digital mining surveillance system and biometric database, mandatory safety audits of detention facilities used for mining-related arrests, and stiffer penalties for sponsors and buyers of illegal mining,” the statement said.

In the wake of protests since this tragic incident, the Council urged calm among youths in Minna and the North-Central zone. They prayed for the souls of the victims.

They insisted that the final autopsy report must be made public and that justice must be served in this case.