The Islamic Education Trust (IET) has issued an urgent appeal for calm, truth, and accountability following the deaths of 37 young people in government custody, an event that triggered widespread unrest, arson and a subsequent curfew across Minna.

The crisis stems from an operation on September 15 and 16, 2026, targeting suspected illegal and artisanal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi–Lokoto axis.

Security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) detained 67 people, many of whom were teenagers between 14 and 18 years old, according to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. On September 17, thirty-seven of the detainees were found dead while still in custody, sparking immediate public outrage, violent clashes, gunfire and looting.

In a press statement, the IET condemned both the custodial deaths and the subsequent destruction of property while urging residents to reject violent escalation and inflammatory narratives.

Addressing the gravity of the custodial deaths, the General Secretary of the IET, Muhammad Nuruddeen Lemu, emphasized the state’s fundamental duty to protect those in its care.

“Whatever allegation is made against a person, once they are in a cell or in government custody, their life and dignity become a trust held by the State on behalf of the public,” Lemu said. “Calm without justice is only a pause.”

Describing the unrest as the worst violence in Minna’s history, IET Director-General Alhaji Arzika Rimau framed the situation as a moral turning point for the city, noting that humanity is proven by how the weakest members of society are treated.

While commending early interventions by the Niger State Government, the Federal Government, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and President Bola Tinubu, the IET stressed that long-term stability requires complete transparency and restorative measures.

To resolve the crisis and address underlying vulnerabilities, the IET outlined key demands for government action: “A full, public inquiry into both the causes of death in NSCDC custody and the conduct of security forces during the ensuing protests. Rigorous medical, forensic, and proper documentation procedures for all deceased and remaining detainees. “Condolence visits by high-ranking traditional, religious, and government leaders, coupled with a fair compensation framework created in direct consultation with the bereaved families. Integration of women, youth, and local community representatives into official investigative bodies and a concrete, sustainable government strategy to transition children away from dangerous mining sites into formal schooling, Islamic education, and vocational training.

Founded in Sokoto in 1969 and headquartered in Minna since 1976, the IET is leveraging a decades-long footprint in peacebuilding, youth neighborhood programs, and out-of-school child education to assist in resolving the conflict.

The organization has offered a team of mediators, counselors, imams, and youth networks to facilitate grassroots dialogue and provide support to grieving families.

“The Qur’an commands people to stand firmly for justice, even if it is against themselves,” noted Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya, Director of IET’s Liaison Services Department. “Having partnered with security institutions demands honesty, and belonging to these communities demands solidarity.”

The organization urges all residents of Minna and Niger State to maintain peace, allow investigations to proceed and reject unverified rumors as authorities work to restore order.