The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the death of 37 mine workers who, according to the union, suffocated while in detention at a Mines Marshal facility in Niger State.
The union made the demand in a strong-worded protest letter addressed to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake on Thursday.
According to NUMW National President Comrade Hamza Muhammad, more than 70 young people who had been permitted by landowners to engage in mining activities at the location were arrested by the Mines Marshal.
The union alleged that over 37 of those arrested died from suffocation due to what it described as poor ventilation at the detention facility, while about 40 others survived.
Describing the alleged incident as “barbaric, inhuman and totally unacceptable,” the union argued that even individuals suspected of illegal mining were entitled to their fundamental rights, including the right to life and due process of judicial trial.
The NUMW therefore demanded that the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development publicly condemn the incident and establish an independent panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
The union also called for the suspension and prosecution of personnel found responsible, subject to the outcome of the investigation.
The union further urged the federal government to review the operations and detention practices of the Mines Marshal, insisting that detention facilities used in mining enforcement must comply with minimum human rights and safety standards.
NUMW also demanded compensation for the families of the deceased and called on the government to take responsibility for their burial arrangements and provide welfare support to the affected families.
The union appealed for the surviving detainees to be released where legally appropriate and provided with medical attention.
“We will pursue this matter within the ambit of the law until justice is served,” Muhammad swore, while urging its members in Niger State and across the country to remain calm and law-abiding.
The union also called on the Minister of Solid Minerals Development to take additional measures to protect miners and improve respect for human rights and due process during mining-enforcement operations.
Copies of the protest letter were sent to the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Commandant of the Mines Marshal.
The Truth reports that allegations in the union’s letter could not be independently verified from the information provided as at press time.
