CREAP Africa Initiative Demands Investigation into Miners' Deaths

CREAP Africa Initiative expressed grief over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. In a statement by Executive Director Sylvanus Udoenoh, the organization condemned the violence that followed these deaths, asserting that citizens have the right to demand answers and accountability.

However, it stated that the destruction of property and violence against innocent residents cannot be justified as legitimate protest. CREAP called for a swift, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the cause and manner of each death, and whether proper detention procedures were followed.

The organization emphasized that all detainees are entitled to humane treatment and due process. It also condemned the use of excessive force by security personnel during protests, urging for independent scrutiny of these actions.