The Nigeria Labour Congress has called for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the demand in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, saying those responsible, if found culpable, must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The victims were arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The 37 deaths were subsequently recorded on September 17 while the detainees were in NSCDC custody. Reports indicate that some of the deceased were young people, including minors.
Ajaero said the Federal Government had already constituted a 10-member independent committee to establish the identities of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and ascertain the cause of their deaths.
He welcomed the suspension of officers linked to the incident but stressed that administrative measures should not replace a transparent investigation or accountability.
“The Congress calls for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into this tragedy,” Ajaero said, adding that anyone found responsible for unlawful treatment, abuse, negligence or other misconduct should face the full weight of the law.
The Federal Government had earlier ordered the suspension of 21 NSCDC personnel, including the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation. The 10-member committee has been mandated to establish responsibility, examine possible negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate sanctions and compensation where applicable.
The Niger State Police Command has also taken over the scene of the incident and commenced its own investigation following a directive from Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. The police said the investigation would seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure accountability.
The NLC also raised concerns about the broader socioeconomic conditions that drive vulnerable Nigerians, particularly young people, into artisanal mining and other informal activities.
According to Ajaero, poverty, unemployment, deprivation and limited access to decent livelihood opportunities remain major factors pushing poor rural households towards hazardous informal work.
He called for stronger regulation of artisanal and small-scale mining, enforcement of occupational safety standards and an end to hazardous child labour.
The labour body further urged the government to provide affected communities with education, skills development, social protection and alternative livelihood opportunities, arguing that enforcement alone would not address the underlying causes of illegal mining.
The National Human Rights Commission has similarly called for an independent forensic autopsy and preservation of evidence, while commencing a preliminary investigation into the deaths. The commission said that being suspected of illegal mining does not remove the constitutional rights of people in custody.
The circumstances and precise medical cause of the 37 deaths remain subject to investigation. Authorities have said the findings of the various investigations will determine responsibility and the appropriate next steps.
