Niger CSOs Demand Justice for 37 Miners, Urge Political Neutrality

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Niger State have called on political parties and their supporters to avoid politicizing the deaths of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). In a joint statement, the organizations, including the Open Government Partnership Non-State Actors Niger State and Coalition of Civil Society Niger State, emphasized that the issue should be treated as a matter of human rights and accountability rather than a political opportunity.

They expressed concern over the grief and tension caused by the deaths and warned against the "weaponisation" of this tragedy. The CSOs demanded credible investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and urged political actors to support the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

They also highlighted the need to address the underlying issues driving youth into artisanal mining, such as poverty and limited opportunities. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago was commended for his response, including the establishment of a nine-member inquiry and a three-day mourning period.