Miners’ Deaths: PRP Urges Prosecution, Questions Government’s Security Efforts

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has demanded the prosecution of anyone found culpable in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. GeographicReference

The opposition party also criticised the Federal Government over what it described as worsening insecurity, citing the continued captivity of residents abducted by bandits from Dekara community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State since August.

In a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, the PRP called for the immediate establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners.
“Furthermore, the PRP condemns the tragic death of 37 miners who lost their lives while in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State. We demand the immediate establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to determine the causes of this unfortunate incident and call for the prosecution of anyone found culpable”, the party said.

The Federal Government, however, on Saturday constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent probe.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of officers involved in the incident pending the outcome of the investigation. The committee was given two weeks to submit its report.

The deceased were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during NSCDC operations on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. They were found dead while in custody on September 17.

President Tinubu had on Friday ordered a full and transparent investigation, warning that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be prosecuted.

Tinubu said the government would not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence or dereliction of duty, insisting that being suspected of illegal mining did not deprive the detainees of their rights to life, dignity and humane treatment. HireGrant Writers

Turning to the wider security situation, the PRP expressed concern over the continued captivity of persons it said were kidnapped by bandits in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area, last month.

Read Also: Social Media Dispute Leads Phyna and Nkechi Blessing to Boxing Ring

It described the government’s inability to secure their release as unacceptable, arguing that the incident reinforced its criticism of the administration’s handling of security.

“The inability to safeguard citizens from such heinous acts is both worrisome and unacceptable, warranting widespread condemnation”, the party said.

The PRP warned that incidents of banditry, kidnapping and other security breaches across the North-Central and North-West required urgent action to prevent further deterioration.

“The PRP urges the government to recognise that the escalating incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and other security breaches across the North Central and North West regions pose an imminent threat.

“If left unaddressed, these issues may escalate into catastrophic and disastrous breaches of national security”, it said.

The party urged the government to intensify efforts to restore peace and security, review policies affecting the welfare of Nigerians and ensure accountability among security personnel. DownloadInteractive Maps

“As a party committed to justice and good governance, we implore all relevant authorities to take decisive action to address these pressing security issues and uphold the dignity and safety of every Nigerian citizen”, the PRP said.