Parents of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, have called for compensation and a thorough investigation into the incident.
The bereaved families said compensation would not only provide some relief but also serve as a deterrent to security personnel who abuse their powers and promote accountability within law enforcement agencies.
One of the bereaved parents, Musa Aliyu, 50, said he lost his two sons, Ibrahim, 17, and Abubakar, 12, in the incident. Aliyu, who had been battling illness for about a year, said the boys were among those who supported him financially, particularly with the purchase of his medications.
He said his children left home peacefully on Wednesday for a mining site around the Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Housing Estate but failed to return later that day.
According to him, his wife subsequently went to the NSCDC office near the PDP Secretariat after learning that some miners had been arrested.
Aliyu said his wife met other relatives at the facility who were also searching for their loved ones, only to be informed that the two boys had died. The family was then directed to the General Hospital to identify and collect their bodies.
“These children helped me sustain my medication. They contributed money to buy drugs for me. I leave whoever is responsible for the death of my children to Allah. I believe they were killed,” he said, struggling to hold back tears.
Another parent, Lawal Mohammad, said his 15-year-old son, Suleiman, was also among the deceased.
He said he attempted to take food to his son after his arrest but was denied access by NSCDC officials.
Mohammad said the family returned to the NSCDC office the following morning, only to be informed that Suleiman had died. He said he witnessed the removal of the bodies, which were subsequently taken away in ambulances.
The bereaved father said his son had taken up artisanal mining to earn a living and contribute to the upkeep of the family, adding that those found responsible for the deaths should be punished and compelled to pay compensation.
He also urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure accountability.
