The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for a thorough, independent, transparent and credible investigation into the deaths of 37 persons who were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining and were being held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
The detainees, taken into custody on allegations of involvement in unlawful mining activities, died while in the care of the security agency, prompting the NBA to demand answers about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
In its statement, the NBA urged authorities to conduct an inquiry that not only clarifies how the fatalities occurred but also determines whether any misconduct or negligence contributed to the loss of life.
The association further appealed for an investigation into the ownership, control and financing of the illegal mining operations, insisting that those who profit from or enable the illicit activity be identified and held accountable.
The call for accountability comes amid heightened scrutiny of illegal mining in Niger State, a practice that has raised concerns over environmental degradation, loss of lives and the erosion of rule of law in the region.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
