Pix: President Tinubu

By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The National Rights Defence Coalition (NRDC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for their prompt response to the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Corps in Niger State.The Executive Secretary of the Coalition, Kenneth Okereke, who made this known in a statement issued on behalf of the organisation, described the incident as a grave tragedy that requires a thorough, transparent and credible investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.Okereke said the prompt action taken by President Tinubu and the NSCDC leadership had demonstrated their concern for human life and respect for the fundamental rights of persons in government custody. He said the response also reflected empathy, patriotism, transparency and a strong sense of accountability on the part of the authorities.He particularly commended President Tinubu for directing a comprehensive investigation into the incident, stressing that the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not deprive them of their fundamental rights or the state’s responsibility to ensure their safety and humane treatment while in custody.The Coalition also praised Professor Audi for his professional response to the incident and the measures taken by the NSCDC leadership following the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo. The Niger State Commandant and 20 other officers were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.According to Okereke, the decision to establish an investigative panel represents an important step towards establishing the facts and determining whether any individual or institution bears responsibility for what happened. He urged members of the panel to carry out their assignment without fear, favour or external interference.He expressed confidence that the investigative panel would conduct an adequate and comprehensive investigation capable of providing clear answers to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public. He added that the findings should serve as the basis for the appropriate dispensation of justice in accordance with the law.The NRDC called on all stakeholders to allow the investigation to run its full course, saying that the deaths of 37 persons in custody should not be subjected to speculation or institutional defensiveness. Okereke said the Coalition expects the authorities to act on the findings of the investigation and ensure that where wrongdoing or negligence is established, appropriate legal action is taken.