ADEYANJU ACCEPTS TO REPRESENT MINNA MINERS’ VICTIMS, WARNS GOVT: “DON’T PUT A PRICE ON HUMAN LIVES”

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has accepted an invitation from the Niger State Government to serve on the committee constituted to investigate the deaths of alleged gold miners in Minna, Niger State.

Adeyanju, in a statement, thanked the government for considering him worthy to serve on the committee, stressing that he accepted the responsibility because of the need to ensure that the interests of the victims and their families are adequately represented throughout the investigation.

According to him, his participation is solely aimed at protecting the victims’ interests and ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are properly established. He said the committee must be allowed to conduct its work transparently and independently so that the truth can emerge.

Adeyanju also warned the government against making any monetary provision, stipend or honorarium for members of the committee, arguing that the assignment should be regarded as a national duty for which members should be willing to make personal sacrifices.

He stated that he would not accept any payment connected to his participation and would not tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or cover up wrongdoing. Adeyanju added that he would personally take care of his hotel bills, transportation and other expenses incurred in the course of the assignment.

Adeyanju further declared that any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth would be exposed. He stressed that the victims deserve justice and urged all members of the committee to put the public interest above personal considerations, saying the investigation must not be undermined by what he described as the “Nigerian factor.”