Northern Govs Demand Probe Into Deaths Of 37 Miners In Niger NSCDC Custody

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 people who were arrested over suspected illegal mining activities and subsequently died while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The Forum’s Chairman and Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, made the call on Thursday while expressing condolences to the Niger State Government, the families of the deceased and communities affected by the tragedy.

Governor Yahaya in a statement by his spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, on Friday, said the death of such a large number of people while in custody raised serious concerns and required the authorities to establish exactly what happened before, during and after their detention.

He stressed that the circumstances surrounding the victims’ arrest should not diminish the value of their lives or their right to humane treatment under the law.

“We must allow the facts to emerge through a credible investigation. The families of the deceased deserve answers, and Nigerians deserve clarity on the circumstances surrounding this painful tragedy,” Yahaya said.

The governor commended authorities for initiating investigations into the incident but urged relevant agencies to ensure that the process was comprehensive, transparent and capable of establishing the truth.

He also appealed for calm and restraint among residents, particularly the families and communities affected, saying justice and accountability would be better served by allowing the investigation to proceed without interference.

LEADERSHIP reports that at least 37 suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, after they were arrested during operations against illegal mining around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16.

The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, prompting the Niger State Government to declare three days of mourning. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while other sources alleged detainees were held in a poorly ventilated cell, raising allegations of possible suffocation.

Niger State has constituted a committee of inquiry, ordered autopsies, and  imposed a curfew after the eruption of protest in Minna. The Federal Government has also suspended the state NSCDC commandant, Suberu Aniviye, pending investigation.

The chairman of the Northern Governors, Inuwa Yahaya condoled with the Niger State government, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families to bear the loss.