The suspended Niger State commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Aniviye, has told a judicial commission of inquiry that the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the corps' custody could have been avoided. He described what happened as a costly mistake and apologised to the bereaved families, Channels Television and THISDAY reported.
What is the commission investigating?
The commission, chaired by Justice Mohammed Mohammed, is examining the circumstances of the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died after a September 16 operation at M.I. Wushishi in Minna, the treatment of detainees in NSCDC custody and whether there were lapses in the conduct of the operation and the handling of those arrested.
What have earlier witnesses told the panel?
In earlier proceedings, a mortician at the Minna General Hospital told the commission that 33 bodies were delivered to the hospital's mortuary, a figure that differs from the 37 deaths reported by the Niger State Government and other authorities. The discrepancy is now one of the questions the panel must resolve as it works toward its findings.
What action has been taken so far?
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended the state commandant and 20 other officers of the corps on September 19, days after the deaths became public. The commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja Attah, has denied any involvement in the operation. The suspensions followed the Niger State Government's decision to constitute the panel of inquiry and order autopsies to establish the cause of death.
What does the apology change?
An admission from the most senior officer involved shifts the tone of the inquiry from dispute to accountability. It does not by itself establish where the lapses occurred, and the families will want more than an apology: answers on how the detainees were held, why medical intervention failed and who bears responsibility at each level of the command.
What happens next?
The commission will continue to take evidence from officers, medical personnel and officials of the state government before writing its report. Its findings are expected to shape disciplinary action within the corps and possible prosecution, and they will test how far accountability reaches up the chain of command in a case that has drawn national attention.
Frequently asked questions
How many suspected illegal miners died?
Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody after the September 16 operation in Minna, though a hospital mortician told the panel 33 bodies were delivered.
Who has been suspended?
The Niger State NSCDC commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and 20 other officers were suspended by the Interior Ministry on September 19.
What did the suspended commandant say?
He told the judicial commission the deaths could have been avoided, called the incident a costly mistake and apologised to the bereaved families.
Sources: Channels Television; THISDAY; The Nation; Daily Post Nigeria.
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