Niger Miners’ Death: Nothing Will Come Out of Govt Probe

Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni, has expressed scepticism about the government’s investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

Oseni, speaking during a broadcast, questioned whether the probe would produce meaningful accountability, suggesting that previous government investigations into controversial incidents had often failed to deliver clear outcomes.

The journalist’s comments followed the deaths of the detainees, who were among 67 people arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.

The victims died on September 17 while being held at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.

The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago said investigators were considering possible suffocation caused by overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances associated with mining activities.

The Federal Government has since ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

President Bola Tinubu directed that the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention conditions, medical attention provided to the detainees and events leading to their deaths be thoroughly investigated.

The Ministry of Interior subsequently constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident. Officers connected to the incident were also suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Oseni, however, questioned whether the government probe would ultimately establish accountability for the deaths.

His comments come amid demands from families, rights groups and other stakeholders for an independent, transparent and credible investigation into what happened to the detainees.

The Nigerian Bar Association has also called for a thorough investigation, while survivors and relatives of some of the deceased have alleged poor detention conditions and mistreatment.

The Federal Government has maintained that no person found culpable will be shielded from accountability.

Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris said the government’s responsibility was first to establish the facts surrounding the incident before determining culpability.

The government has also urged the public not to prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

Meanwhile, authorities are conducting medical and forensic examinations to establish the scientific cause of death.

The incident has generated public anger and protests in parts of Niger State, with calls for justice and accountability.

As investigations continue, Oseni’s comments have added to the public debate over whether the government’s probe will produce a credible explanation and appropriate action over the deaths of the 37 detainees.