Life of every Nigerian matters – Tinubu orders probe of Minna illegal miners’ death

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths of illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The president emphasized that the life of every Nigerian matters and stressed that no citizen should perish while under the custody of government officials due to negligence, mistreatment, unfair treatment or inadequate performance of duty.

Tinubu expressed deep concern over the reported fatalities, describing the incident as a critical matter demanding immediate examination and accountability. Speaking through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the president assured that the federal government will persist in combating illegal mining and other crimes across the nation, but stressed that all law enforcement operations must adhere to the law, respecting and protecting the rights of individuals during detention.

Tinubu firmly stated that being suspected of illegal mining does not diminish an individual's right to live, receive respect, and be treated humanely while in government custody. He vowed that the government will not permit any unnecessary loss of life due to negligence, lack of responsibility, or public servants' failure to safeguard those entrusted to their care.

In the event that the investigation reveals any official's involvement in causing these deaths through abuse of power or dereliction of duty, that person will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law, ensuring accountability.