AFAN Demands Independent Probe Into Death Of Over 30 Suspected Illegal Miners In NSCDC Custody In Minna

The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Farouk Rabiu Mudi, has demanded an independent investigation into the death of more than 30 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

In a statement issued on Saturday and made available to newsmen through the National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Garba, AFAN expressed shock over the incident, while mourning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governors Forum including the Niger State Governor Mohammad Umar Bago over the tragedy.

Mudi said the association backs the suspension of the NSCDC Commandant and other officers linked to the incident, but called on the Federal Government to expand the investigation panel to include civil society organisations to ensure transparency and uncover the truth.

He stressed that every life matters and insisted that a thorough investigation must be carried out, adding that anyone found culpable should be charged to court and adequately punished.

“The court is the last hope of the common man,” Mudi said on Saturday, while calling for calm, noting that government at all levels and the Northern Governors’ Forum have intervened and condemned the act in unison.

The AFAN President further called for a comprehensive medical and forensic autopsy on the deceased, urging the government to ensure that unbiased testimonies are obtained and that families of the victims are protected from any form of intimidation.

While reaffirming AFAN’s support for government efforts to tackle illegal mining in Nigeria, Mudi cautioned that enforcement operations must strictly adhere to the rule of law.