Atiku Demands Accountability Over Deaths of Suspected Miners in NSCDC Custody

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded accountability over the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

Atiku described the deaths as disturbing and called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation.

The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State between September 15 and 16.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago later confirmed that 37 detainees had died in NSCDC custody. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and the actual cause has not yet been established.

The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, reports from survivors raised concerns about the conditions in which detainees were held, including allegations of overcrowding and poor ventilation.

The corps has constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Its terms of reference include assessing the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.

The Federal Government has also ordered a full investigation and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the probe.

Atiku welcomed the suspension and investigation but said those steps should not mark the end of the process.

He called for the findings of the investigation to be made public and urged authorities to hold anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence accountable.

The former vice president also said the families of the deceased deserved more than condolences, arguing that they should be told what happened to their relatives and given access to justice.

Public concern over the deaths has intensified, with protests reported in Minna. The Niger State Government subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew after demonstrations led to reported destruction of public and private property.

The government has said it will not shield anyone found culpable, while cautioning that responsibility should not be assigned before investigations establish the facts.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered investigation, while Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake deployed a team to Niger State to establish circumstances.