By Chioma Vivian James
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice has expressed deep shock and sadness over the reported death of 37 artisanal miners in the detention facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade James Okoronkwo, conveyed the organisation’s condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the government and people of the state, as well as the families of the deceased.
Okoronkwo, speaking on behalf of the Coalition’s affiliate organisations across the country, described the incident as a painful loss not only to Niger State but to the nation as a whole.
He noted that the deceased were largely artisanal miners struggling to earn a living, with teenagers and internally displaced persons reportedly among those affected, stressing that they died while in the lawful custody of the state.
According to him, the Nigerian state has a responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of persons in custody, citing Sections 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Anti-Torture Act 2017.
The Coalition commended Governor Bago for his swift response to the incident, including confirming the deaths, suspending the State Commandant of the NSCDC, declaring three days of mourning and establishing a Committee of Inquiry.
It also acknowledged the Federal Government’s decision to order a high-powered investigation into the incident.
However, the Coalition urged the authorities to ensure that the deaths are thoroughly investigated and not allowed to be swept under the carpet.
Okoronkwo said the conflicting accounts surrounding the deaths, including the reported claim of a “suspected disease outbreak” and survivor accounts alleging severe overcrowding, poor ventilation and suffocation, required thorough and independent investigation.
The Coalition consequently demanded a transparent, independent and forensic investigation, including independent autopsies, with the findings made public.
It further called for a comprehensive audit of NSCDC and other security agencies’ detention facilities nationwide to prevent a recurrence.
The group also demanded adequate compensation and psychosocial support for the families of the 37 deceased miners, as well as the immediate provision of humane treatment and medical evaluation for survivors still in custody.
The Coalition stressed that no Nigerian, regardless of alleged offence or economic status, should lose their life while in detention, describing the incident as a test of the country’s commitment to good governance, equity and justice.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Niger State in this moment of grief and call for calm while urging the authorities to ensure that justice is done,” the Coalition stated.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and for God to grant their families the strength to bear the loss.
Signed:
Comrade James Okoronkwo
National Coordinator,
Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice.
