The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for a transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State and accountability for those responsible.
The suspects were reportedly arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and remained in its custody before they subsequently died in detention.
Reacting to the development, Obi described the deaths as deeply troubling, stating that the tragedy demands urgent answers.
“These were persons who had been arrested as suspects. Whatever offence they were suspected of committing, they were still human beings, and the responsibility of the State was to keep them alive, safe, and treated humanely while due process took its course,” he said.
Obi expressed concern over the deaths of so many people in a place of detention within such a short period.
“While investigations are ongoing into the actual cause of these deaths, including reports concerning disease, overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation, Nigerians deserve a transparent, independent, and credible investigation that establishes exactly what happened,” he noted.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that the tragedy was also a reminder that security is not merely about arresting people, but about protecting lives, upholding the dignity of every citizen, and ensuring that institutions entrusted with the safety of the people operate within the law.
Obi argued that a nation cannot claim to value human life when people can enter government custody alive and die there without immediate, transparent, and credible accountability.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the authorities to ensure that justice is done.
Obi added that Nigeria must become a country where the rule of law protects every citizen, not only those who are free but also those who are in custody.
“May God grant the families the strength to bear this painful loss,” he prayed.
