Atiku demands accountability over deaths of suspected miners in NSCDC custody

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for accountability following the deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. Atiku made the call in a statement posted on X on Friday, expressing concern over the deaths and insisting that people in government custody were entitled to protection and dignity regardless of the allegations against them. “I am deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians while in NSCDC custody in Niger State,” Atiku said. He said the deceased were “sons, fathers, brothers and loved ones” whose families expected the state to protect their lives while they remained in custody. “No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” he added. Atiku commended the Federal Government for suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and ordering an investigation into the incident. However, he said the probe should go beyond the initial measures and be conducted independently and transparently, with the findings made public. “The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public,” the former Vice President said. He further called for anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence to be held accountable. Atiku also said the families of the deceased deserved more than condolences from the authorities, stressing that they deserved to know what happened to their loved ones. “The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice,” he said. The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC later confirmed that some of the detainees had died, with the state command initially attributing the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the Corps’ national headquarters said the actual cause had not been established and that medical and laboratory examinations were required. Niger State Governor Umar Bago subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody, while investigations, medical examinations and autopsies were ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Federal Government has also suspended Aniviye and ordered a full investigation into the incident. The NSCDC has constituted an investigative team to examine the suspects’ condition upon arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them. Atiku urged the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths without delay, while expressing sympathy to the bereaved families.