Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has expressed doubts about the outcome of the Federal Government’s investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
Oseni said on Monday during the station’s Morning Show that a probe conducted solely by government agencies might fail to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
His comments followed widespread reactions to the deaths of the suspected miners while they were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The incident has sparked public concern, with calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths.
The NSCDC had said the detainees died following a suspected outbreak of disease. It added that the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
Reacting to the development, Oseni said he welcomed the investigation but questioned whether a government-led process would adequately address the issues surrounding the incident.
“I welcome the need for investigations, but the fact remains that if the investigations are carried out by government agencies, nothing will come out of them,” he said.
The broadcaster also questioned the ownership and financial interests behind the mining operation where the suspected miners were reportedly working.
“My question is, who are the people involved in this mining? Because it takes people with substantial financial resources to engage in mining. Who owns the mining site?” Oseni asked.
Oseni’s comments come amid calls from different quarters for authorities to establish how the suspected miners died while in detention and determine whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.
The Niger State Government had also raised concerns over the deaths, while authorities have initiated steps to establish the cause of the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remained under investigation as of the time of filing this report.
