Parents of artisanal miners who died in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, have demanded compensation.

They said the compensation would serve as deterrent against abuse of power and ensure accountability among law enforcement officers.

One of the parents, Musa Aliyu, 50, who had been ill for the past one year, lost two of his children, Ibrahim, 17, and Abubakar, 12, in the incident.

Mr Aliyu, who spoke on Friday, said his late sons were his major source of support, particularly in purchasing his medications.

He said the children left home peacefully on Wednesday for the mining site at Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Housing Estate but did not return home that evening.

“My wife was later informed that some miners had been arrested, so she went to the Civil Defence office near the PDP Secretariat. When she got there, she met a crowd of relatives who had also gone in search of their children.

“She was informed that our children were dead and we were asked to go to the General Hospital to identify and claim their bodies.

“These children helped me sustain my medication. They contributed money to buy drugs for me.

“I leave whoever is responsible for the death of my children to Allah. I believe they were killed,” he said, struggling to control his tears.

Another parent, Lawal Mohammad, said he lost his 15-year-old son, Suleiman, in the incident.

Mr Mohammad stated that he attempted to take food to his son on the day of the arrest but was denied access to him by NSCDC officers.

He stated, “We went to the civil defence office on Wednesday night and were asked to return the following day.

“We went back on Thursday morning to give him food, but we were told that he was dead. I was at the civil defence office when the bodies were brought out and loaded into ambulances.

“I am in pain, and I cannot forgive this. Those responsible should be made to pay compensation so as to serve as a lesson to others who abuse power.”

Mr Mohammad, who also struggled to control his tears, said his son took to artisanal mining to earn a living and help the family.

He appealed to relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable.

(NAN)