What do you think should happen to the officials responsible for the deaths of those arrested for illegal mining?
I believe every official involved in the arrest, transportation and detention of these Nigerians must be identified, suspended and subjected to an independent criminal investigation. That inquiry must establish the entire chain of command: who authorised the operation, who ordered the arrests, how many people were confined in the cell, and who was responsible for their welfare. Illegal mining must be confronted firmly, but an allegation is not a death sentence, and government custody must never become a gateway to the mortuary.
Where this comes from
Article on X Article by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/2101341538831724700 2026-09-19 ›
“These young people were failed three times: first by an economy that offered them no future; second by a state that criminalised their struggle for survival; and finally by a government that failed to protect them after taking away their freedom.
“Illegal mining is robbing Nigeria of its resources, destroying communities and threatening national security. It must be confronted firmly. But fighting illegal mining is not a licence for state agents to arrest citizens alive and return their bodies to their families.
“An allegation is not a death sentence. An arrest warrant is not a warrant to kill. Government custody must never become a gateway to the mortuary.
“Every official involved in the arrest, transportation and detention of these Nigerians must be identified, suspended and subjected to an independent criminal investigation. The inquiry must establish the entire chain of command: who authorised the operation, who ordered the arrests, how many people were confined in the cell and who was responsible for their welfare.