Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Obi said the 37 miners deaths in NSCDC custody represented a serious concern that required clear answers, stressing that people arrested on suspicion of an offence remained entitled to humane treatment while in government custody.
In a statement on Friday, the former Anambra State governor said the detainees were suspects and had not been convicted of any offence.
He argued that the responsibility of the state extended beyond arrest and detention to ensuring the safety and welfare of people under its custody.
“Let’s begin to give dignity to human lives in our land,” Obi said, while expressing condolences to the families of the deceased.
The 37 miners deaths in NSCDC custody occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago subsequently confirmed that 37 detainees had died in NSCDC custody in Minna and declared three days of mourning over the incident. Authorities have launched multiple investigations to determine what led to the deaths.
Obi said the number of people who died inside a detention facility within such a short period raised serious questions that could only be answered through a credible investigation.
He noted that different explanations had emerged, including reports of illness, overcrowding and poor ventilation, but said none should be treated as conclusive until investigations establish the actual cause.
The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak but later stated that no specific disease had been confirmed as the cause of death pending medical and laboratory examinations.
The Nigeria Police Force has also begun investigating the incident. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu said the police would work with the NSCDC and Niger State Government to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while the scene has been secured to preserve possible evidence.
The Federal Government has also taken disciplinary and investigative steps. Twenty NSCDC officers, in addition to the Niger State Commandant, have been suspended, while a 10-member independent committee was constituted to investigate the incident.
Survivors have raised allegations concerning overcrowding and ventilation inside the detention facility, while one survivor alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside the cell. Those accounts remain subject to investigation and have not established the medical cause of the deaths.
Obi said the incident should prompt wider consideration of how security institutions treat people placed in their custody.
He maintained that enforcing the law should go hand in hand with protecting the lives and dignity of detainees.
According to Obi, the 37 miners deaths in NSCDC custody should not be allowed to pass without a transparent account of what happened and appropriate action based on the findings.
He urged authorities to ensure justice for the deceased and their families, adding that the rule of law should protect citizens both outside and inside government detention facilities.
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