The National President of the National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society, Abdullahi Dantasidi, has demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
Dantasidi described the incident as painful and unfortunate, saying the circumstances surrounding the deaths should prompt the government to strengthen measures for the security and welfare of miners across the country.
He spoke with journalists in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Sunday.
The deceased were among scores of people arrested by NSCDC mining marshals during operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
They were found dead inside an NSCDC detention facility in Minna on September 17.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago later disclosed that 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners had been detained at the facility before 37 of them died.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak but subsequently said the actual cause had yet to be established.
Authorities are investigating several possible factors, including the conditions in which the detainees were held.
Dantasidi said the deaths represented a loss not only to the families of the victims but also to Nigeria’s mining sector.
“I am deeply shocked, saddened, and depressed over this incident,” he said.
The mining cooperative leader argued that artisanal miners play an important role in identifying and developing mineral resources across the country.
He said the government should work more closely with artisanal miners rather than treating them solely as illegal operators.
“However you want to tag this group, we are not illegal but artisanal miners and go a long way in helping the government achieve its goals in the mining sector in this country,” he said.
Dantasidi also called for incentives that would enable artisanal miners to increase their productivity and contribute more effectively to the formal mining economy.
He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to pay greater attention to the mining sector, citing its potential to contribute to economic development and poverty reduction.
On the deaths in Niger, Dantasidi called for a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and urged authorities to prosecute anyone found responsible.
His demand comes as investigations into the incident continue at federal and state levels.
The Niger State Government has established a committee of inquiry, while the police and NSCDC are conducting separate investigations.
The Federal Government has also constituted an independent 10-member committee to investigate the deaths.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and 20 other officers have been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
The federal committee has been directed to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths and establish responsibility, negligence or misconduct where applicable.
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has also deployed technical and mining experts to assist with the investigation.
Dantasidi commiserated with Governor Bago and the families of the deceased, while calling for measures to prevent a recurrence.
