NLC demands independent investigation into death of 37 mines

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Joe Ajaero, NLC President

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons in NSCDC custody.

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NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made the demand in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, while calling for accountability and justice over the deaths.

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Ajaero said the victims were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in Niger on Sept. 15 and 16.

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He said the arrests occurred in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger, while the deaths were recorded on Sept. 17.

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“Reports indicate that many of those who died were young people, including minors,” Ajaero said.

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He said the Federal Government had constituted an independent committee to establish the identities of the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

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“The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, circumstances of their arrest and detention, and the cause of their deaths,” he said.

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Ajaero welcomed the suspension of officers connected with the incident but stressed that the measure must not replace accountability and justice.

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He said the NLC mourned the victims and commiserated with the Government and people of Niger over the deaths.

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The NLC president attributed participation in artisanal mining and other vulnerable informal activities to poverty, unemployment, deprivation and lack of decent livelihood opportunities.

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“These were children and young people from working-class and peasant families, particularly families whose livelihoods depend on the informal economy,” Ajaero said.

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He called for stronger regulation of artisanal and small-scale mining, enforcement of occupational safety standards and prohibition of hazardous child labour.

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Ajaero also urged government to remove children from hazardous mining activities and provide affected families with education, skills development, social protection and alternative livelihoods.

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He called for measures to address rural poverty, youth unemployment, lack of decent work and inadequate social protection.

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“We cannot continue to address the symptoms of these problems while ignoring their underlying causes.”

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