Presidential candidates of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, have condemned the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, describing the incident as a national tragedy that demands justice and accountability.
Both opposition leaders, in separate statements on Friday, called for a transparent and independent investigation into the incident, insisting that every Nigerian deserves protection while in government custody, regardless of the allegations against them.
Atiku said he was deeply saddened by the deaths, stressing that no Nigerian should lose the right to life while under the protection of the state.
“I am deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
“These were human beings—sons, fathers, brothers and loved ones, whose families had every right to expect that, whatever allegations they faced, the state would protect their lives and dignity while they remained in its custody.
“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life.”
The former Vice President commended the Federal Government for suspending officers linked to the incident and ordering a full investigation.
According to him, “I commend the Federal Government for the swift decision to suspend the officers under whose watch this tragedy occurred and to order a full investigation. That is an important first step, but it must not end there.”
He added that, “The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public. Anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence must be held fully accountable.”
Atiku said the bereaved families deserve more than sympathy.
“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence.”
He prayed for the families of the victims and urged Nigerians to place greater value on human life.
Peter Obi also described the deaths as a deeply troubling tragedy, saying those who died were suspects whose rights should have been protected while in detention.
“The death of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, is a deeply troubling tragedy that demands urgent answers.
“These were persons who had been arrested as suspects. Whatever offence they were suspected of committing, they were still human beings, and the responsibility of the State was to keep them alive, safe, and treated humanely while due process took its course.”
Obi expressed concern that such a large number of people could die in custody within a short period.
He said, “It is particularly disturbing that so many people could die within a place of detention in such a short period. While investigations are ongoing into the actual cause of these deaths, including reports concerning disease, overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation, Nigerians deserve a transparent, independent, and credible investigation that establishes exactly what happened.”
The former Anambra State governor said the tragedy highlights the need for security agencies to respect the rule of law and the dignity of every citizen.
> “Security is not merely about arresting people. Security is about protecting lives, upholding the dignity of every citizen, and ensuring that the institutions entrusted with our safety operate within the law.”
He added, “A nation cannot claim to value human life when people can enter government custody alive and emerge dead without immediate, transparent, and credible accountability.”
Obi also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged the authorities to ensure justice is served.
The reactions from both opposition leaders came a day after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of the detainees and approved the suspension of NSCDC officers connected with the detention facility where the incident occurred.
The President had stated that every Nigerian life matters and assured citizens that the government would not tolerate deaths caused by official negligence while people are in state custody.
The deaths have sparked widespread public concern over conditions in detention facilities, with rights advocates calling for reforms to prevent similar incidents and ensure the protection of the rights and lives of persons in custody.
