By JOAN NWAGWU

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

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.

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

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

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

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

“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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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