A coalition of civil society organisations led by Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information on social media over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The coalition, in a statement issued by the National President of Stand Up Nigeria, Sunny Attah, said Nigerians should allow the independent investigation ordered by the Federal Government to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Attah expressed concern over what the coalition described as a growing circulation of unverified reports, allegations and conflicting accounts on social media since news of the incident became public.
He said such claims should not be presented as established facts while forensic examinations and official investigations are still underway.
“We appeal to Nigerians, particularly social media users, to exercise restraint and avoid sharing unverified reports capable of creating unnecessary tension, undermining public peace or prejudicing the ongoing investigation,” Attah said.
“The death of 37 Nigerians in custody is a serious matter that deserves a thorough, transparent and credible investigation. At this stage, Nigerians should allow the appropriate authorities and the independent committee to establish the facts.”
The coalition noted that the Federal Government has constituted an independent committee to investigate the incident and determine the identities of the deceased, circumstances of their arrest and detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
It said the decision to suspend officials connected with the incident pending the outcome of the investigation was an important step towards ensuring that the inquiry is conducted without interference.
Attah urged the committee to carry out its assignment transparently and professionally, stressing that anyone found culpable after due investigation should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The coalition also called on relevant authorities to ensure that forensic and medical findings form an important part of the investigation rather than allowing speculation or competing narratives to determine public understanding of the incident.
“We sympathise deeply with the families of those who lost their lives. They deserve to know exactly what happened to their loved ones, and Nigerians equally deserve a credible account of the circumstances surrounding these deaths,” Attah said.
“What is required at this moment is patience, calm and confidence in a transparent investigative process. Justice must be based on facts and evidence.”
The coalition further appealed to political actors, activists, community leaders and civil society organisations to avoid statements capable of inflaming tensions while the investigation continues.
It urged the Federal Government to make the findings of the committee public and ensure that its recommendations are implemented where wrongdoing, negligence or breaches of established procedures are established.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the investigation and advocating for transparency, accountability and respect for the rights of all Nigerians.
“We call on everyone to reject misinformation, refrain from drawing premature conclusions and allow the investigation to run its full course,” Attah added.
“The ultimate objective must be to establish the truth, ensure justice for the deceased and their families, and prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.”
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