By Adegboyega Adeleye
The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded transparent investigation and accountability over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State.
Obi, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Friday, said the deaths of the detainees demanded urgent answers, stressing that those arrested as suspects remained entitled to humane treatment and protection while in government custody.
“Let’s begin to give dignity to human lives in our land,” Obi said.
“The death of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, is a deeply troubling tragedy that demands urgent answers.
“These were persons who had been arrested as suspects. Whatever offence they were suspected of committing, they were still human beings, and the responsibility of the State was to keep them alive, safe, and treated humanely while due process took its course.”
The former Anambra State governor said it was particularly disturbing that such a large number of people could die inside a detention facility within a short period.
He called for a transparent, independent and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“It is particularly disturbing that so many people could die within a place of detention in such a short period. While investigations are ongoing into the actual cause of these deaths, including reports concerning disease, overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation, Nigerians deserve a transparent, independent, and credible investigation that establishes exactly what happened,” he said.
Obi said the incident should also prompt a broader examination of the responsibilities of security agencies, arguing that security should extend beyond arrests to the protection of people in custody.
“This tragedy also reminds us that security is not merely about arresting people. Security is about protecting lives, upholding the dignity of every citizen, and ensuring that the institutions entrusted with our safety operate within the law,” he said.
“A nation cannot claim to value human life when people can enter government custody alive and emerge dead without immediate, transparent, and credible accountability.”
Let's begin to give dignity to human lives in our land.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) September 18, 2026
The death of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, is a deeply troubling tragedy that demands urgent answers. These were persons who had been arrested as…
The reaction came as President Bola Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of the suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC following enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
Tinubu said the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody. He directed that the investigation cover the circumstances of their arrests, their condition when taken into custody, detention conditions, the number of people held at the facility, medical attention provided and events leading to their deaths.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody in Minna. He declared three days of mourning for the victims and cancelled an APC rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna following the incident.
The development has sparked protests in parts of Minna, with security agencies deployed across the state capital as authorities moved to contain tensions.
The NSCDC has also ordered a probe, while the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, was suspended pending investigation.
Obi, while commiserating with the families of the deceased, urged the authorities to ensure that justice was done.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and urge the authorities to ensure that justice is done. Nigeria must become a country where the rule of law protects every citizen, not only those who are free but also those who are in custody.
“May God grant the families the strength to bear this painful loss,” he added.
The post Miners’ deaths: Peter Obi demands answers, accountability appeared first on Vanguard News.