Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
Obi, in a statement on Friday, described the incident as a serious concern and called on authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He urged the government to treat the matter with urgency and ensure that the affected families receive justice.
“Let us give dignity to human lives,” Obi said, stressing that every citizen deserved to be treated with dignity, regardless of the allegations against them.
The former Anambra State governor called for a transparent investigation into the incident, including the condition of the miners before and after their arrest.
He also urged the authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing faced the law.
The deaths reportedly occurred after the suspects were arrested during operations against illegal mining in Niger State.
The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the incident, while the NSCDC has also commenced an inquiry to determine the cause of the deaths.
Obi said the development should prompt stronger attention to the protection of human rights during security and enforcement operations.
He added that government agencies must operate within the law and remain accountable for the treatment of people in their custody.
