Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for a transparent and independent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The call comes as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, Atiku said the deceased were entitled to protection and humane treatment while in government custody, regardless of the allegations against them.
“I am deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
“These were human beings—sons, fathers, brothers and loved ones, whose families had every right to expect that, whatever allegations they faced, the state would protect their lives and dignity while they remained in its custody.
“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” he said.
Atiku welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and order a full investigation into the incident.
“I commend the Federal Government for the swift decision to suspend the officers under whose watch this tragedy occurred and to order a full investigation. That is an important first step, but it must not end there,” he said.
He urged authorities to ensure that the investigation is conducted openly and professionally, with the findings released to the public.
“The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public.
“Anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence must be held fully accountable,” he said.
The former Vice President added that the families of the deceased deserved answers and justice, while expressing sympathy to those affected by the incident.
“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence,” Atiku said.
According to the NSCDC, some of the detained suspects were discovered dead in the early hours of Thursday following what the command described as a suspected disease outbreak. The bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examinations.
Governor Umar Bago later confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in custody and said forensic examinations, medical tests and autopsies were underway to determine the cause of death.
The Federal Government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident, while the NSCDC has constituted an investigative team to examine the suspects’ condition at the time of arrest, the circumstances of their detention and the medical attention provided during custody. Authorities say the cause of the deaths has yet to be established.
