Niger miners’ deaths: PRP demands justice, inquiry

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The Peoples Redemption Party has demanded justice for the 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State, calling for the prosecution of anyone found culpable.

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The party also condemned the continued captivity of residents of Dekara community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, who it said had been abducted by bandits since August 2026.

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In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the PRP National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, said the incidents underscored what the party described as the government’s failure to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

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Ishaq said the continued insecurity across the North-Central and North-West regions required urgent action, warning that unchecked banditry, kidnapping and other security breaches could pose a serious threat to national security.

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Hr said, “The PRP condemns the tragic death of 37 miners who lost their lives while in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State.

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“We demand the immediate establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to determine the causes of this unfortunate incident and call for the prosecution of anyone found culpable.”

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Ishaq urged the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped residents and hold security personnel accountable for failures in the discharge of their duties.

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The spokesman also called for a review of government policies to improve the welfare and security of Nigerians, while urging authorities to intensify efforts to restore peace across the affected regions.

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The PRP’s demand came hours after the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths.

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The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the panel on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

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Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of 20 officers allegedly involved in the incident, in addition to the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, pending the outcome of the investigation.

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The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths, as well as determine responsibility, negligence or misconduct.

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The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain disputed.

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While the NSCDC attributed the deaths to a disease outbreak without identifying the illness, survivors alleged that the detainees died after suffering suffocation and dehydration in an overcrowded cell.

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Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, had also said preliminary forensic findings showed foam mixed with bloodstains in the mouths of some of the deceased, as well as peeling skin, raising the possibility of lead poisoning.

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Saturday PUNCH gathered that the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and 21 other officers had been detained in Abuja in connection with the incident.

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