By EDITH NWAPI

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for an independent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the commission, made the call in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

“There should be an independent forensic autopsy and preservation of all evidence,

“The investigation ordered by the Interior Minister and the NSCDC must be transparent, thorough and comply with international standards for investigating potentially unlawful deaths in custody,” he said.

Ojukwu reminded law enforcement agencies that suspicion of illegal mining does not extinguish the constitutional rights of citizens.

He added that every person in custody must be treated with dignity in accordance with the law.

“Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full compliment of their fundamental human right in accordance with national and international human rights instruments,” he said.

He urged youths in Minna to remain calm and refrain from violence, assuring that the Commission will ensure accountability and that appropriate remedies are provided where violations are established.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspects were claimed to have been arrested during an operation targeting illegal mining on Tuesday and Wednesday and were in NSCDC custody. (NAN)