By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has demanded justice and adequate compensation for the families of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
The organisation also called on the Federal Government to review the operational and custodial practices of the NSCDC to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
MURIC made the demands in a statement issued on Sunday by its Coordinator for Northern States and Abuja, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa.
Indabawa described the deaths as unfortunate, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident required urgent investigation and accountability.
He expressed concern over reports that the miners were detained in a crowded cell with poor ventilation and excessive heat.
The MURIC coordinator also cited Section 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
“On the morning of September 17, 2026, MURIC received with shock the news of the unfortunate death of 37 artisanal miners, largely teenagers, while in a crowded cell at the Minna, Niger State Command of the NSCDC paramilitary force,” he said.
According to him, the alleged conditions under which the miners were detained were severely inhumane and warranted immediate action.
MURIC therefore called for justice for the deceased and adequate compensation for their bereaved parents and relatives.
The organisation further urged the Federal Government to carry out a comprehensive review of the NSCDC’s operational and custodial procedures nationwide to prevent similar incidents and restore public confidence in the agency.
SPARK LIGHT recalls that 37 artisanal miners reportedly died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
