ACYN Demands Probe Into Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners, Killings of Nigerians in South Africa
ACYN Demands Probe Into Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners, Killings of Nigerians in South Africa
The Association of Christian Youths of Nigeria (ACYN) has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, demanding that anyone found responsible face the full weight of the law.
The National President of ACYN, Pastor Onaolapo Olusegun, made the call while speaking on the deaths, which he described as “completely inhuman” and unacceptable.
According to him, while the activities of the miners may have violated Nigerian law, they should have been arrested and prosecuted rather than dying in the custody of security operatives.
Olusegun expressed concern over reports that the suspects may have died from suffocation due to overcrowding and poor ventilation in their detention facility, while another account suggested that a chemical may have been sprayed into the room.
“Whichever way, whether as a result of suffocation or a chemical being sprayed into the room where they were kept, suspects are not supposed to die in the hands of security operatives,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to go beyond investigating the immediate circumstances of the deaths and establish the events that preceded them, including those allegedly behind the mining activities.
The ACYN president welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to constitute a committee to investigate the incident, saying Nigerians were waiting for the findings.
He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the mining activities, asking authorities to establish who was behind the alleged illegal operations.
“If they are illegal miners, who are the people that are behind the work they are doing? The mining work they are doing? Nigeria needs to know,” he said.
Olusegun further called for accountability, insisting that anyone found culpable should be dealt with in accordance with Nigerian law.
ACYN Condemns Killing of Nigerian Cleric in South Africa
The youth organisation also condemned the reported killing of Bishop Fakunle Taiwo Michael in Johannesburg, South Africa, calling for the perpetrators to be identified and prosecuted.
Olusegun said the reported killing of the Nigerian cleric, whom he said was attacked and shot in his residence on September 4, 2026, was unacceptable.
He also expressed concern over what he described as repeated killings of Nigerians in South Africa, alleging that more than eight Nigerians had been killed in the country in 2026 and more than 100 since 2022.
He called on the South African authorities to investigate the killings and ensure that those responsible face the law.
According to him, diplomatic relations and bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa should also translate into the protection of citizens of both countries.
“We want the South African police and South African government to fish out the killer of Bishop Fakunle Taiwo Michael in Johannesburg,” he said.
“Those people that perpetrated this must face the full consequences of the law.”
Calls for Better Jobs, Security at Home
Addressing the continued movement of young Nigerians abroad, popularly described as “Japa,” Olusegun said the government must improve employment opportunities, security and the welfare of workers if it wants more young Nigerians to remain in the country.
He said Nigerians should be able to find sustainable employment and live safely in their own communities.
According to him, job security and security of life and property are key factors that influence young Nigerians’ decisions to seek opportunities abroad.
“If there is assurance of job security for the people that are graduating from schools in Nigeria, after school you get a good job that will give you average comfortability to start a good life, definitely they will stay,” he said.
He also urged the government to prioritise the welfare of workers across both the public and private sectors, including doctors, nurses, teachers and bankers.
The ACYN president acknowledged government efforts to address insecurity but called for more practical measures, including meaningful engagement with communities and people involved in criminal activities.
He said improving employment, security and workers’ welfare would help create conditions in which young Nigerians could build sustainable lives at home while maintaining the freedom to travel and pursue legitimate opportunities abroad.
