The Action Alliance has lamented the death of 37 people in the cell of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody in Minna, Niger State. The party described the incident as shocking and sad. According to the party, the dead detainees were among those arrested on September 15 and 16 in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages over alleged illegal mining.
The NSCDC had initially claimed that the deaths were due to a “disease outbreak”. However, the Action Alliance stated that this claim was suspicious and an insult to Nigerians. The party cited intelligence reports and survivor accounts, which pointed to overcrowding, poor ventilation, suffocation, and possible spraying of harmful substances inside a cell where 67 persons were cramped together.
The Action Alliance described the incident as extra-judicial killing by negligence, stressing that it is totally unacceptable in a democracy. The party maintained that illegal mining does not strip a Nigerian of his right to life, dignity, and fair hearing. This, it said, is a gross violation of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The party commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for confirming the deaths and declaring three days of mourning. However, it demanded more than mourning, calling for accountability. The Action Alliance welcomed the Federal Government’s 10-man independent probe panel set up by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on the orders of President Tinubu.
The Action Alliance demanded an open, transparent, and independent forensic autopsy on all 37 bodies, with families represented. It also called for the immediate prosecution of all officers found culpable for negligence, complicity, or cover-up. The party demanded adequate compensation for the families of the deceased, many of whom are IDPs and artisanal miners struggling to survive.
The party also called for urgent reform of all detention facilities of NSCDC, Police, and other agencies nationwide. It stressed that the lives of 37 poor miners matter as much as the lives of 37 governors. A government that cannot protect citizens in its own cells has lost its moral right to govern, the party said.
The Action Alliance expressed solidarity with the people of Niger State and the families of the deceased, stressing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The party's National Chairman, Barrister Kenneth Udeze, signed the statement. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
Key points
- The Action Alliance demands accountability and justice for the deaths of 37 people in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
- The party calls for an open, transparent, and independent forensic autopsy on all 37 bodies.
- The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice and reform of detention facilities.
