Civil society organisations are demanding the arrest and prosecution of the owner of a mining site in Niger State where 37 suspected illegal min news later died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Thw Civil Society also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths. They stressed the need for authorities to establish the facts and determine whether any individual or organisation bears responsibility.
The organisations also called on relevant government agencies to investigate the operations of the mining site and establish whether the necessary licences and safety requirements were in place. They said anyone found to have violated the law should face appropriate legal consequences.
The calls come amid concerns over the safety and treatment of persons arrested in connection with illegal mining activities. The civil society groups urged the authorities to ensure transparency in the investigation and provide justice for the deceased and their families.
