Former Vice President 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.
Atiku, in a statement posted on X on Friday, said people held by the government remained entitled to the protection of their lives and dignity, regardless of the allegations against them.
He welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and order an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The former Vice President, however, said the investigation should go beyond administrative action, urging authorities to make its findings public and hold anyone found responsible through misconduct, abuse or negligence accountable.
The deaths occurred after NSCDC personnel arrested scores of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The number of fatalities was initially reported differently, but Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago subsequently confirmed that 37 detainees had died in custody. Authorities have ordered medical examinations and autopsies to establish the actual cause of death.
The NSCDC initially said the deaths followed a suspected disease outbreak but later stressed that the cause had not been established and would be determined through medical and laboratory examinations. The Corps has also set up an investigative team to examine the circumstances of the arrests, detention conditions and medical care provided to the detainees.
Atiku said the families of those who died deserved to know what happened and should receive justice where wrongdoing is established.
The incident has also prompted the suspension of senior NSCDC officials and separate investigations by security authorities and the Niger State Government.
The former Vice President expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths without delay.
