By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities (FNMHC) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The organisation also urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive forensic examination to determine the exact cause of the deaths and establish what transpired between the time the victims were arrested and when their bodies were discovered.

In a statement signed by Dr. Temitope Olaifa and Abubakar Wushishi, the group expressed concern over the incident, saying the affected persons were reportedly arrested on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna before being taken into NSCDC custody.

The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of September 17.

The FNMHC said every piece of evidence relating to the arrests and detention should be preserved and examined, including records concerning the condition of the detainees, their treatment while in custody and the circumstances preceding their deaths.

The organisation welcomed the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of investigations, and said the measure should be followed by a thorough process capable of determining individual and institutional responsibility.

It called on the Federal Government, Niger State Government, NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to ensure that the investigation is conducted without interference and that its findings are made available to the public.

According to the group, the death of 37 people while under government custody requires more than administrative action, stressing that the investigation should establish whether negligence, misconduct or other violations contributed to the incident.

The FNMHC also urged the government to address broader challenges associated with illegal and unsafe mining activities, while ensuring that enforcement operations respect human rights and the dignity of persons taken into custody.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths. The committee is expected to examine the arrests, detention conditions, causes and circumstances of the deaths and determine whether negligence, misconduct or other forms of responsibility were involved.

The Ministry of Interior also announced the suspension of officers connected with the incident pending the investigation. The committee has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.