By Henry Umoru

ABUJA— The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, has called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.

Sani, who condemned the incident, said the investigation should establish the immediate and remote causes of the deaths, including through proper forensic examination.

In a statement he signed on Friday, the ADP chairman also called for accountability for all officials found to have contributed to the incident, including relevant NSCDC officers and officials of the Niger State ministry responsible for mining.

He further demanded appropriate compensation and immediate humanitarian assistance for the families of those who died in custody, without prejudice to their right to pursue other remedies under the law.

Sani also called for a comprehensive investigation into the recent attacks in Borgu Local Government Area of the state, intensified efforts to secure the release of anyone still in captivity and measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.

He urged the Federal and Niger State governments to review security operations in Niger State and other affected parts of Northern Nigeria, with emphasis on intelligence gathering, rapid response, protection of rural communities and accountability by security agencies.

The statement read in part: “The Action Democratic Party (ADP) receives with profound shock and sadness the tragic news of the death of 37 Nigerians while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

“Whatever allegations may have led to their arrest, these Nigerians were entitled to the protection of their lives, dignity and fundamental rights while in lawful custody.

“The fact that such a large number of detainees could die while under the control and protection of a government security agency raises extremely serious questions which must not be swept under the carpet.

“The ADP therefore condemns the apparent failure of duty that resulted in this tragedy and demands a thorough, transparent and independent investigation to establish the immediate and remote causes of these deaths and identify every official whose act, omission, negligence or misconduct contributed to them.”

Sani said the incident was particularly disturbing against the backdrop of continuing insecurity in Niger State, including recent attacks in Borgu Local Government Area, where worshippers were attacked during Juma’at prayers, with scores reportedly abducted and several lives lost.

“For the people of Niger State, this is one tragedy too many,” he said.

The ADP chairman said recurring killings, kidnappings and loss of lives demonstrated the need for both the Federal and Niger State governments to reassess their security strategies.

He stressed that Nigerians had a constitutional right to the protection of their lives and property, irrespective of their location, social status, occupation, ethnicity or religion.

Sani said the party was particularly concerned about worsening insecurity across several communities in Northern Nigeria, adding that every part of the country should receive equal urgency, resources and protection in confronting insecurity.

He said the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and the announcement of investigations were steps in the right direction, but warned that they should not end as “another administrative exercise” without accountability.

According to him, the findings of the investigations should be made public and anyone found responsible should face the consequences of the law.

The ADP therefore demanded a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 persons, including forensic examinations to establish the actual causes of death.

The party also demanded accountability for responsible officials, appropriate compensation and humanitarian assistance for the bereaved families, as well as a comprehensive investigation into the Borgu attacks.

It called for intensified operations to rescue any persons still in captivity and decisive measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.

The party further demanded a comprehensive review of security operations in Niger State and other affected parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly in the areas of intelligence gathering, rapid response, protection of rural communities and accountability of security agencies.

Sani extended condolences to the families of those who died, saying the incidents had further undermined public confidence in government and its institutions.

“Government exists fundamentally to protect lives and property. When citizens can be kidnapped or killed by criminals in their communities and others die while in the custody of an agency of the state, public confidence in government and its institutions is gravely undermined,” he said.

“Enough of these preventable deaths. Nigerians deserve security, justice and accountable government.”