ATIKU CALLS FOR FULL PROBE INTO MINERS’ DEATHS IN NSCDC DETENTION

Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, 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 in Niger State. Atiku said the victims, regardless of the allegations against them, were entitled to protection and dignity while in government custody.

In a statement released on Friday, Atiku expressed concern over the deaths and said no Nigerian should lose their right to life simply because they were detained by the state. He commended the Federal Government for suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and ordering an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The former Vice President, however, said the suspension of the officials involved should only be the beginning of the process. He called for the investigation to be independent, thorough and transparent, with its findings made public. Atiku also said anyone found to have contributed to the deaths through direct action, abuse or negligence should be held accountable.

He further called on the authorities to provide the families of the deceased with more than condolences, saying they deserved to know what happened to their relatives. Atiku said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be established without delay and expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.

The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations 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 a suspected disease outbreak, while their bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination. Niger State Governor Umar Bago later confirmed that 37 suspects had died and said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted. The NSCDC has also set up an investigative team to examine the suspects’ condition before and during detention, the conditions in custody and the medical attention they received. The exact cause of the deaths has not yet been established, while reports of possible overcrowding and poor ventilation remain subject to investigation.