The Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) and other allied civil society organisations have called for restraint, objectivity and due process in the ongoing investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The groups, while supporting a comprehensive investigation into the incident, cautioned against drawing premature conclusions or making allegations against the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC before the facts surrounding the deaths are established.
The position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Comrade Patrick Onoumuodeke.
The CSOs said the death of persons while in the custody of a security agency was a serious matter that required clear answers, particularly on the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, the circumstances of their detention and the medical attention available to them.
They, however, stressed that the investigation should be conducted objectively and transparently, with all relevant facts and evidence properly examined.
The groups said the circumstances surrounding the deaths should be established through appropriate medical, investigative and forensic processes rather than speculation or assumptions.
They noted that while concerns over the incident were legitimate, it was important for all parties to allow the relevant authorities to complete their investigations and make their findings available.
The CSOs also commended the immediate steps taken by the NSCDC and the Ministry of Interior to commence investigations into the incident, describing such action as necessary to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths.
They urged the investigative authorities to examine the condition of the suspects before and after their arrest, the conditions under which they were detained, access to medical care and other factors that may have contributed to the incident.
The organisations further called for the findings of the investigation to be made public to provide clarity to the families of the deceased and the wider public.
They said accountability should be based on established facts and evidence, stressing that anyone found culpable after a credible investigation should be made to face the appropriate consequences under the law.
The CSOs also appealed for calm, urging members of the public and stakeholders to avoid actions or statements capable of prejudicing the investigation.
They maintained that the protection of human rights and the enforcement of the law must go hand in hand, noting that persons in government custody remain entitled to humane treatment and protection of their lives and dignity.
The organisations expressed condolences to the families of those who died and urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation was conducted with transparency, professionalism and respect for due process.
