The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has demanded an expeditious, open and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The party also urged security agencies to exercise restraint in handling protests sparked by the deaths, warning that the use of excessive force could further escalate tensions and lead to additional fatalities.

The 37 detainees, who were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State, reportedly died while being held at an NSCDC detention facility in Minna.

Authorities have said the cause of the deaths is yet to be conclusively established, with investigations and medical examinations ongoing.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Abubakar, the APM said it was “disturbed” by the incident, describing the deaths as unacceptable and demanding that the circumstances surrounding the tragedy be fully investigated.

The party also condemned the reported deployment of ammunition and tear gas by security personnel against protesters who took to the streets to demand answers over the deaths.

Protests were reported in parts of Minna, including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road, following the deaths, with security agencies deployed to restore order. The state government subsequently imposed a curfew amid the rising tension.

The APM said the reported conditions under which the detainees were held raised serious questions that should not be ignored by the authorities.

“The avoidable death of these citizens who were reportedly detained in very inhuman conditions in a government facility is yet another sad episode which further spotlights the level of inconsequentiality the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration attaches to human lives,” the party said.

It faulted the explanation attributed to authorities that the victims were suspected illegal miners who died following a possible disease outbreak, arguing that their status as suspects did not justify any failure to provide humane conditions of detention.

The party questioned how 66 detainees could have been held in a single cell, alleging that 37 of them died amid excessive heat and after reportedly being sprayed with an unidentified substance.

The APM said the incident had raised broader concerns about the protection of citizens in government custody, stressing that suspects remained entitled to their fundamental rights pending the determination of any allegations against them.

It further said the reported use of force against protesters required separate scrutiny, particularly in determining whether security agencies acted within the law and used proportionate measures to maintain public order.

Reports indicate that security forces deployed tear gas during the protests, while allegations that live ammunition was used have also emerged.

The party therefore called for an “expeditious, open, transparent and unrestricted probe” into the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees and the reported use of ammunition against protesters.

The demand comes as multiple investigations are already under way. The Niger State Government, NSCDC and police have commenced separate inquiries, while the Federal Government has deployed experts to assist in establishing the circumstances and scientific cause of the deaths.

The NSCDC state commandant and members of his team have also been suspended to facilitate the investigation.

The APM said the outcome of the investigations should establish what happened to the detainees, determine responsibility where wrongdoing is established and ensure that such an incident does not recur.

The party also sympathised with the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State, while appealing to Nigerians to remain calm as investigations continue.

“While sympathizing with the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, the APM urges Nigerians to remain calm as we await the outcome of the probe,” it said.