Niger Miners’ deaths: Calling for NSCDC boss’ head unnecessary, hasty — Alancha

Activist and social crusader, Comrade Dominic Alancha, has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.

Alancha, who spoke on the incident while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, said the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, should be allowed to complete the ongoing process of investigation before calls for his removal are considered.

Recall that at least 37 detainees, including minors, died in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State, after they were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities.

The Federal Government has constituted an independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while NSCDC has detained personnel in connection with the incident.
Commenting on the incident, Alancha condoled with the families of the deceased, describing the development as an “ugly incident” that could have been avoided.

He said the incident had drawn attention to the welfare and safety of detainees in the custody of paramilitary and security agencies.

According to him, the ongoing investigation should establish what happened, including the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the victims.
Alancha commended Audi for the steps taken so far, including the suspension of personnel, but called for further action to ensure an “uninterrupted investigation.”

The NSCDC has since detained 24 personnel, including the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, in connection with the deaths. The Corps said due process, transparency and accountability would guide the investigation.

Alancha also referred to an allegation by a survivor that a chemical was sprayed inside the detention facility, describing it as a serious allegation that should be investigated.

He urged the NSCDC leadership to provide periodic updates to Nigerians and the President on the progress of the investigation.

On calls for Audi’s removal, Alancha said such demands were premature.

“That call is very unnecessary for now because you cannot put the cart before the horse,” he said.
He argued that the investigation should first establish where responsibility or negligence lies before any conclusion is reached regarding the NSCDC leadership.

“Let the outcome of that investigation come out before we can really know whether we can call for his head or not,” Alancha said.

He added that removing the NSCDC boss at this stage would not address the circumstances surrounding the deaths, urging the Corps to complete the investigation and make the findings public.