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 in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Obi, in a statement on Friday, described the deaths as a deeply troubling tragedy that required urgent answers, stressing that the victims remained entitled to humane treatment regardless of the allegations that led to their arrest.
“Let’s begin to give dignity to human lives in our land,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor said the deceased were suspects who had been arrested by security authorities and were therefore under the responsibility and protection of the state.
“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,” he said. (Vanguard News)
The deaths occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago confirmed that 37 detainees died while in NSCDC custody in Minna and subsequently declared three days of mourning over the incident. The deaths have generated public concern and protests, with authorities launching investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities. (Channels Television)
Obi expressed concern over the number of deaths recorded within a detention facility within such a short period.
“It is particularly disturbing that so many people could die within a place of detention in such a short period,” he said.
He noted that several possible explanations had emerged, including reports of disease, overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, but stressed that Nigerians deserved definitive answers based on an investigation capable of establishing what actually happened.
“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,” Obi said. (Vanguard News)
The NSCDC initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the Corps’ national headquarters later cautioned that no specific disease had been established as the cause of death pending medical and laboratory examinations.
The Nigeria Police Force has also commenced an investigation. Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the police would work with the NSCDC and Niger State Government to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. (Channels Television)
Authorities have also ordered further investigations into the detention conditions and circumstances leading to the deaths. The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident. The committee has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report. (Vanguard News)
Obi said the incident should prompt a broader discussion about the meaning of security and the responsibility of government institutions towards people placed in their custody.
According to him, security agencies should not view their responsibility solely in terms of arresting suspects or enforcing laws, but must also ensure the protection of human lives and the dignity of people under their control.
“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.
He further argued that the circumstances surrounding the deaths raised fundamental questions about accountability within government detention facilities.
“A nation cannot claim to value human life when people can enter government custody alive and emerge dead without immediate, transparent, and credible accountability,” Obi said.
His comments came amid growing calls for an independent examination of the incident. Survivors have reportedly raised concerns about overcrowding and poor ventilation inside the detention facility, while one survivor alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed into an overcrowded cell before some detainees collapsed. The allegation has not been independently established, and investigations into the cause of death are ongoing. (The Guardian)
Obi also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and 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,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate stressed that the rule of law should protect everyone, including people who are being detained over alleged offences.
“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,” he said.
He concluded by praying for the families of the victims as they come to terms with the loss.
“May God grant the families the strength to bear this painful loss,” Obi said.
The investigations by the police, NSCDC and the Federal Government committee are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any breaches of procedure, negligence or other wrongdoing occurred while the detainees were in custody.
