The Ulama Forum in Northern Nigeria has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 young Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State, as well as reported killings and displacement of residents in the Mambilla area of Taraba State.
The forum said the circumstances surrounding both incidents required impartial investigations capable of establishing the facts, identifying those responsible where wrongdoing is established, and providing justice for affected families and communities.
The call comes amid continued concerns over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died after being arrested by NSCDC personnel in Niger State. The victims were among people arrested during operations in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages on September 15 and 16. They subsequently died while in custody on September 17.
The Federal Government has already constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident. The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, was given two weeks to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and recommend appropriate action.
The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also directed that all relevant records and evidence be preserved and warned against any attempt to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation. Several NSCDC personnel, including the Niger State Commandant, were suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The deaths have generated calls from several groups for greater transparency. The National Human Rights Commission and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre have separately called for a thorough investigation and independent forensic autopsies, stressing the need for evidence to be preserved and the investigation to meet appropriate standards for deaths occurring in custody.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum has also demanded a transparent investigation, saying the families of the deceased deserved answers about what happened before, during and after the victims were taken into custody.
In its intervention, the Ulama Forum also raised concerns over reports of killings and displacement of residents in Mambilla, Taraba State. The forum called for the reported incidents to be independently investigated so that the scale and circumstances of the violence can be established.
Reports of insecurity and displacement in parts of Taraba have featured in wider assessments of violence in the Middle Belt. However, details of individual incidents, casualty figures and the identities of those responsible can vary between sources and should therefore be established through official investigations rather than assumed from unverified accounts.
The forum’s position places the two incidents within a broader concern about the protection of citizens and accountability by state institutions. It urged authorities to ensure that security and law-enforcement operations respect the dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians, including people arrested on suspicion of criminal or illegal activities.
The deaths in Niger State have also renewed debate over the conditions under which suspects are detained. While various accounts have emerged about what may have caused the deaths, the precise cause remains a matter for the ongoing investigation and forensic examination. Authorities have yet to announce a final finding establishing the circumstances in which all 37 people died.
The Ulama Forum therefore urged the authorities to make the findings of investigations public and ensure that any person or institution found responsible for unlawful conduct, negligence or abuse is held accountable according to the law.
The forum’s demand comes as pressure continues to mount for answers over the Niger State deaths and amid continuing concerns about violence and displacement in parts of Northern and Middle Belt Nigeria.
