The Northern States Governors' Forum has urged a full, transparent investigation after 37 people detained on suspicion of illegal mining died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. The forum described the deaths as a distressing tragedy and said the circumstances, including reports that the victims died while held by security personnel, are of grave concern.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who chairs the forum, sent condolences to the Niger State government, the bereaved families and the affected communities. Yahaya's comments were delivered in a statement from his director-general for press affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, and called for a responsible response that protects human dignity and follows the law.
The chairman pressed for a thorough inquiry to establish what happened before, during and after the arrests, and asked that the probe be allowed to run its full course. He also welcomed that authorities have initiated investigations, and urged relevant agencies to ensure the process is comprehensive and open enough to establish the facts.
Yahaya appealed for calm among residents, particularly those in the communities most affected, warning that justice and accountability will be better served if the investigation proceeds without interference. He added a personal plea for the families, praying that Almighty Allah forgive the dead and grant their souls rest, and asked authorities to keep relatives informed as inquiries progress.
The forum's demand places added scrutiny on the handling of the arrests and on the NSCDC and other agencies leading the investigations. The immediate next step, according to the governors' statement, is a credible probe that produces clear answers for the families and for Nigerians concerned about the custodial deaths.
