NIGER STATE ORGANIZED LABOUR MOURNS 37 ARTISANAL MINERS, CONDEMNS TRAGIC LOSS OF LIVES IN NSCDC CUSTODY

By YM Bina

The Organised Labour, Niger State, under the leadership of Comrade Ambassador Idrees Abdulkareem Lafene, expresses its profound grief and deepest condolences to the families of the 37 young and promising artisans and miners who tragically lost their lives while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Muhammad Ndanusa Isako AKA Ambassador Peacemaker, Media Aide to the Organised Labour Leader, Niger State.

The statement said, “this is a deeply painful and devastating tragedy over the loss of 37 lives in circumstances that are now the subject of official investigations has caused immense sorrow, anguish and concern among the bereaved families and the wider people of Niger State.”

The Organised Labour, Niger State, strongly condemns the loss of these lives and the circumstances surrounding the deaths, particularly because the victims were in the custody of a government security agency and therefore under the care and responsibility of the authorities.

While the exact cause of death is yet to be conclusively established and medical, forensic and investigative processes are ongoing, the magnitude of this tragedy demands a thorough, transparent, credible, independent and impartial investigation capable of establishing exactly what happened, the conditions under which the detainees were held, the medical attention provided to them, and whether any individual or institution failed in its responsibilities.

The Organised Labour believes that every human life is precious and must be protected, including the lives of persons detained or arrested in connection with alleged offences. No allegation of illegal mining or any other offence should diminish the fundamental right of any person to humane treatment, safety and due process under the law.

Our heartfelt condolences extend beyond the immediate families to the affected communities, the leadership and people of Bosso Local Government Area, and the entire Niger State. The loss of these young lives is a collective tragedy that has inflicted a deep wound on families, communities and the state.

The Organised Labour also acknowledges the prompt intervention of the Niger State Government and the steps taken to institute an inquiry and facilitate forensic and medical examinations. We urge all relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is allowed to proceed without interference and that its findings are made available to the public.

We further call for appropriate support, assistance and justice for the bereaved families. Where the investigation establishes negligence, misconduct, abuse of authority or any other wrongdoing, those found responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The Organised Labour, Niger State, therefore stands firmly in solidarity with the bereaved families, affected communities, Bosso Local Government and the entire people of Niger State at this difficult moment.

We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and allow the investigation to take its course, while insisting that the legitimate demand for truth, accountability and justice must not be ignored.

We pray that Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, forgives the shortcomings of the departed, grants them eternal rest, and gives their families the courage, strength and fortitude to bear this immeasurable and irreparable loss.

May Almighty God comfort the affected families and communities, grant Niger State healing and peace, and guide the authorities towards truth and justice.

The loss of 37 promising lives is a painful tragedy that must never be treated with indifference. Their families deserve answers, their communities deserve justice, and the people of Niger State deserve the truth.

May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace. Amen.