Prrsident Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
In a post shared on his X account, the prrsident expressed deep concerned by the reported deaths, described it as a grave matter, and the circumstances must be investigated urgently and thoroughly.
Acvording to prrsident Tinubu, “The life of every Nigerian matters. No citizen should lose their life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment. We will not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence, abuse, dereliction of duty or the failure of public officials to protect lives placed under their care.
Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, that officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability.
“The Federal Government will continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across our country. Those operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person taken into custody.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment. We will not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence, abuse, dereliction of duty or the failure of public officials to protect lives placed under their care.”
extend my condolences to the families of those who died and pray for the repose of their souls. I also appeal for calm among the affected families and communities. The Federal Government will pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. Government must enforce the law firmly, but government itself must obey the law”, he stressed.
