Minna Tragedy: ‘Who heard their cries?’ Northern senators demand answers

Northern Senators The Northern Senators Forum has demanded an independent and comprehensive investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

The senators said the circumstances surrounding the deaths raised serious questions that could only be answered through a transparent probe capable of tracing events from the suspects’ arrest to the moment they died.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, APC, Katsina Central, the lawmakers said the investigation must establish who ordered the arrests, where the suspects were taken and who approved their detention at the facility.

They also want investigators to determine whether the room where the detainees were kept was suitable for human habitation, when distress calls were made, who received them and what was done in response.

The forum further called for the involvement of the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, credible civil society organisations and independent forensic experts in the investigation.

The senators said the deaths were particularly disturbing because the victims were reportedly confined in a small room and cried for help before choking to death.

“The Northern Senators Forum joins the nation in mourning the reported deaths of 37 young Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The circumstances surrounding their deaths, in which they were reportedly confined in a small room and cried for help before they choked to death, are deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

“No Nigerian, regardless of the allegation against him, should lose his life in the custody of an agency established to protect lives and property. The sanctity of human life and the dignity of every person in custody must be upheld at all times.”

The forum also demanded independent autopsies on all 37 victims, with relatives of the deceased and independent pathologists allowed to participate in the process.

It said anyone found to have contributed to the deaths through criminal negligence, unlawful detention, reckless conduct or any deliberate action should face prosecution, regardless of rank or position.

“We equally demand independent autopsies for all 37 victims, with representatives of the families and independent pathologists allowed to participate. If criminal negligence, unlawful detention, reckless conduct or any deliberate act contributed to these deaths, those responsible must be prosecuted, irrespective of their rank or position.”

The senators said the incident should lead to a nationwide assessment of detention facilities operated by security agencies to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

“This tragedy must also trigger a nationwide review of detention facilities operated by all security agencies to ensure that no Nigerian is ever again placed in a situation where a cry for help becomes a cry that nobody answers.”

The Northern Senators Forum commended the Federal Government for ordering an investigation and praised the Niger State Government for its response, including support for the affected families and cooperation with investigators.

“The Northern Senators Forum commends the Federal Government for ordering a full and independent enquiry into this matter and the Niger State Government for the proactive steps taken so far, including support for the families and cooperation with investigators.

“The Northern Senators Forum extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people of Niger State. May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive the shortcomings of the departed, grant them Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give their families the fortitude to bear this immeasurable loss.”