Prof. Usman Yusuf described Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago as the “chief dancer of Omologo,” using the expression to criticise what he portrayed as the government’s inadequate response to the deaths.
Yusuf said the government had a responsibility to protect people placed in state custody, regardless of the allegations against them.
His comments followed the death of at least 37 suspected illegal miners who were detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna. Reports indicate that about 65 people had been held at the facility after their arrest over alleged illegal mining activities. (Punch Newspapers)
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. While the NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak, survivors reportedly alleged that the detainees struggled with overcrowding, heat and lack of ventilation. Governor Bago also said preliminary forensic findings raised the possibility of exposure to substances including lead, methane or cyanide, although the cause of death has not been conclusively established. (Punch Newspapers)
Yusuf described the detention of the miners under such conditions as a serious violation of their human rights, stressing that being suspected of an offence does not remove an individual’s fundamental rights.
He also criticised the broader response of government officials, arguing that condolences and appeals to Allah alone would not address the circumstances that led to the deaths.
“Calling Allah ya sawwake will not change anything,” Yusuf said, urging authorities to take concrete action and ensure accountability.
The political scientist also questioned the absence of stronger political leadership in responding to the tragedy, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s reported stay in France while Nigerians were dealing with the consequences of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the deaths. President Tinubu said the probe should examine the arrests, the condition of the detainees, the detention environment, medical attention provided and the circumstances leading to the deaths.
The Federal Government has also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation. (Punch Newspapers)
Governor Bago has declared three days of mourning and established a state-level committee of inquiry, while other institutions have also announced investigations into the incident. (ThisDayLive)
Yusuf called on the government to go beyond statements and condolences by establishing what happened inside the detention facility, holding responsible officials accountable where wrongdoing is established, and taking measures to prevent a recurrence.
The cause of the deaths remains subject to ongoing investigations, and definitive conclusions about responsibility have yet to be established.
