Former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for accountability following the deaths of suspected illegal miners while 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 people detained by the government were entitled to protection 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 a full investigation into the deaths.
According to Atiku, the investigation should be independent, thorough and transparent, with its findings made public. He added that anyone found responsible through misconduct, abuse or negligence should be held accountable.
He also called for adequate support for the families of the deceased, saying they deserved justice and clear information about what happened to their relatives.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations carried out by the NSCDC in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC said some of the detainees were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following what the state command described as a suspected disease outbreak. The bodies were taken to the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, later confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in custody, while forensic examinations, medical tests and autopsies were ordered to determine the cause of death.
The NSCDC has also established an investigative team to examine the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical care they received.
The actual cause of the deaths has not yet been established. Reports have raised concerns about possible overcrowding and poor ventilation, but authorities said investigations and medical examinations must be completed before any conclusion is reached.
Tags
National News