Presidential Candidate Atiku Demands Justice Over Deaths of Miners in NSCDC Custody
Former Nigerian Vice President and Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of dozens of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
In a statement on Friday, Atiku said he was “deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed” by the deaths, stressing that suspects in government custody remain entitled to protection of their lives and dignity.
“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” Atiku said.
He welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend officers linked to the incident and order a full investigation, but said the measures should be followed by accountability.
Atiku called for the investigation to be independent, thorough and transparent, with its findings made public. He also said anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should face the full consequences of the law.
“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice,” he said.
His comments come after President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive investigation into the deaths and directed authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention conditions, medical care provided and events leading to the deaths.
The government has yet to establish the official cause of the deaths, while investigations and medical examinations continue.
Atiku expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged authorities to establish the truth without delay.
