Minna Deaths: SNM Warns Against Politicising Tragedy - The Guardian Nigeria News
The Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has cautioned political actors and civil society organisations against politicising the deaths of 37 children reportedly arrested from mining sites in Minna, Niger State.
The group, while commiserating with the bereaved families and the Niger State Government, described the incident as a tragic loss that required a thorough investigation and appropriate accountability.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Joseph Uyeh, SNM commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ordering an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It also praised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for constituting and inaugurating a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the incident.
According to the group, the steps taken by the authorities would help establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and determine appropriate action based on the findings.
SNM also commended the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi Abubakar, for the reported suspension and arrest of officers allegedly involved in the incident.
The organisation said that while it did not condone illegal mining activities, every Nigerian, regardless of allegations against them, was entitled to the constitutional rights to life, dignity and the presumption of innocence.
It urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation was transparent and that anyone found culpable was held accountable in accordance with the law.
The group, however, warned political actors, civil society organisations and other interest groups against exploiting the deaths for political purposes or using the tragedy to heighten public tension.
SNM urged stakeholders to allow the independent investigative process to run its course, stressing that the grief of the affected families should not be turned into a platform for political confrontation.
It called on Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
The organisation further urged the government to ensure that the findings of the panel were made public and that appropriate administrative or legal measures were taken to prevent a recurrence.
SNM reiterated its sympathy with the families of the deceased children, saying the circumstances surrounding the tragedy must be fully established and justice pursued.
