Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has called for accountability over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
Atiku made the call in a statement shared on X on Friday, saying the detainees were entitled to protection and humane treatment regardless of the allegations against them.
He said no person should lose their right to life after being taken into government custody.
“I am deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
“These were human beings—sons, fathers, brothers and loved ones, whose families had every right to expect that, whatever allegations they faced, the state would protect their lives and dignity while they remained in its custody.
“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” he said.
The former Vice President commended the Federal Government for suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and ordering an investigation into the deaths.
He, however, said the probe should go beyond the suspension of officials and establish what happened to the detainees.
“I commend the Federal Government for the swift decision to suspend the officers under whose watch this tragedy occurred and to order a full investigation. That is an important first step, but it must not end there,” Atiku said.
He urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation was independent, thorough and transparent, with its findings made public.
According to him, anyone found culpable through action, abuse or negligence should face appropriate accountability.
“The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public.
“Anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence must be held fully accountable,” he said.
Atiku also called for justice for the families of the deceased, saying they deserved answers beyond official condolences.
“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence,” he said.
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 later reported that some of the detainees died in the early hours of Thursday, with its Niger State Command attributing the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.
The corps said the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the cause of death.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in custody, while forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted.
The Federal Government has since suspended Aniviye and ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC has also set up an investigative team to examine the suspects’ condition when they were arrested, their period in detention, the conditions in which they were held and the medical attention they received.
The cause of the deaths remains unconfirmed, with reports of possible overcrowding and poor ventilation emerging. However, authorities have said medical examinations and investigations must be completed before any conclusion is reached.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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