Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for a transparent and independent 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, in a statement on Friday, described the incident as a deeply troubling tragedy and said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required urgent clarification. He stressed that suspects remain entitled to humane treatment and protection while in government custody.
“Let’s begin to give dignity to human lives in our land,” Obi said, adding that the victims remained human beings regardless of the offences they were suspected of committing.
According to him, the responsibility of the state was to keep people in custody alive and safe while allowing due process to take its course. He also questioned how such a large number of detainees could die within a short period.
The former Anambra State governor referenced reports of possible disease, overcrowding and inadequate ventilation as issues requiring investigation. However, he said the actual cause of death should be established through a credible investigation rather than assumptions.
The 37 victims were among people arrested during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal mining around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak, while medical examinations and autopsies are being conducted to establish the cause of death.
The deaths have triggered public concern and protests in Minna. The Federal Government has ordered a full investigation, while President Bola Tinubu said the fact that the victims were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment.
The development is significant because the deaths occurred in government custody, raising questions about detention conditions, medical care and accountability.
Obi condoled with the families of the deceased and urged authorities to establish what happened and ensure that justice is served.
Illegal mining remains a major regulatory concern in Nigeria, with authorities continuing enforcement operations against unlicensed mining activities across the country.
