Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
Atiku, in a statement posted on X on Friday, said the victims were entitled to protection and dignity while in government custody, regardless of the allegations against them.
He commended the Federal Government for suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordering an investigation into the incident.
According to him, however, the suspension should only be the beginning of efforts to establish what led to the deaths and ensure accountability.
“The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public,” Atiku said.
He added that anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held fully accountable.
Atiku also said the families of the deceased deserved more than condolences, stressing that they should be provided with the truth and justice.
“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,” he said.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially said some of the detainees were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following a suspected disease outbreak.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, later confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in custody. He said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to establish the cause of death.
The Federal Government has ordered a full-scale investigation, while the NSCDC Commandant-General directed the Niger State commandant and other senior officers linked to the operation to step aside and appear before an investigative panel.
The actual cause of the deaths has not been established. Authorities said medical and forensic investigations would determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Atiku expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and called for the truth to be established without delay.
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