Families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in detention in Niger State are demanding justice, compensation and the return of their belongings following an investigation into the deaths.
The victims reportedly died last month while being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). A presidential investigative panel found that overcrowding, extreme heat, dehydration and neglect contributed to the deaths.
According to the findings, some of the victims were teenagers. Their deaths have raised serious concerns about detention conditions, the treatment of suspects and the responsibility of security agencies to protect people in their custody.
The investigation concluded that the deaths could have been prevented. Authorities reportedly rejected earlier suggestions that a disease outbreak was responsible.
The findings have intensified calls for accountability, with survivors and relatives asking the government to ensure that those responsible face appropriate legal consequences.
Families are also seeking the return of property allegedly seized during the arrests, including motorcycles, mobile phones, mining equipment and gold.
Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the report had been forwarded to the attorney-general for immediate judicial action. However, relatives say they are still waiting for meaningful action and clarity on compensation.
The deaths have also sparked protests and renewed public concern about the conditions in which suspects are detained before trial.
Survivors have welcomed the investigation but are calling for officers involved to be held accountable and removed from positions of authority.
For the affected families, the demands go beyond financial compensation. They want justice for their loved ones, the return of their belongings and assurances that similar deaths will not happen again.
