By Peter Emmanel |
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), South West Zone, has called for United Nations intervention and a full investigation into the reported deaths of 37 Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The party also called for an investigation into the reported shooting of protesters in Minna following public protests over the deaths, urging authorities to establish what happened and hold anyone found responsible accountable.
The NDC made the demand in a statement signed by its South West Publicity Secretary (New Media), Akinjopo Festus Femi, in which it said it had petitioned Bola Tinubu and the United Nations Special Rapporteurs over the two incidents.
According to the party, the 37 people were arrested during NSCDC operations targeting suspected artisanal and illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State between September 15 and 16, 2026.
The NDC alleged that the detainees were subsequently taken to a detention facility in Minna, where they died under circumstances it said had not been established.
The party said the reported deaths became public on September 17 and triggered protests in Minna on September 18, during which it alleged that security personnel used excessive force against demonstrators.
NDC Raises Alarm Over Deaths in NSCDC Custody
The NDC said the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 detainees required an independent, prompt and transparent investigation capable of establishing what happened to each of the victims.
The party argued that deaths occurring while people are in state custody should not be left without a thorough examination, particularly where the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.
“Every single death or serious injury occurring within state custody must be subjected to a prompt, thorough, independent, and completely transparent investigation,” the statement quoted Femi as saying.
The party called for the identities of the deceased to be established and for investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding their arrests, detention and deaths.
It also demanded that anyone found to have been responsible for unlawful conduct be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The NDC further argued that the economic circumstances of the people arrested should not determine the level of protection accorded to their lives and fundamental rights.
The party said Nigerian authorities have a constitutional responsibility to protect human rights and ensure that allegations involving the use of state power are properly investigated.
Party Condemns Minna Protest Shootings, Demands Accountability
The NDC also raised concerns over the protests that reportedly followed the deaths in Minna, alleging that security forces responded to the demonstrations with excessive and lethal force.
According to the party, the alleged security response resulted in additional civilian deaths and serious injuries among protesters.
The party urged authorities to investigate the reported shootings and establish whether the use of force by security personnel was lawful, necessary and proportionate to the circumstances.
It also called on the United Nations to intervene through its Special Rapporteurs and demand accountability from the Nigerian authorities over the incidents.
The NDC said the government must protect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure that security personnel who violate the rights of citizens are held accountable.
The party further called for effective remedies for families affected by the deaths and injuries, including justice for victims where wrongdoing is established.
It said an independent investigation should provide a clear account of both the deaths in NSCDC custody and the subsequent protest shootings, while ensuring that evidence is preserved and witnesses are protected.
The NDC urged the relevant authorities to act swiftly, saying accountability was necessary to address the concerns raised by the incidents and prevent similar allegations from recurring.
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