ADC Demands Investigation into Deaths of 37 Miners

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 Nigerians who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC called for independent autopsies, publication of the victims’ identities and detention records, compensation for their families, and prosecution of responsible officials.

The miners were arrested during operations on September 15 and 16 in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages.

The NSCDC Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Aniviye, confirmed the arrests. The ADC emphasized that the victims' constitutional rights were violated, stating that poverty and unemployment should not lead to loss of life.

The party criticized the government for targeting poor miners while failing to address the influential individuals behind illegal mining, asserting that the current administration has exacerbated economic hardships for Nigerians.