37 Suspected Illegal Miners’ Death In NSCDC Cell: Concerned Men Klub Condemns Extra-Judicial Killings, Demands Probe

*UMUAHIA* — The Concerned Men Klub (CMK) has condemned in strong terms the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in a cell of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, describing it as a grave violation of human rights and an indictment on the nation’s security architecture.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Dr. Ikenna Ukabuiro, the Klub said it received the news of the incident with shock and deep sadness, noting that the deaths, which reportedly occurred in custody, raise serious questions about the treatment of suspects and respect for the rule of law by security agencies.

Dr. Ukabuiro said while the Klub does not condone illegal mining and its attendant economic sabotage and environmental degradation, no suspect, regardless of the offence, deserves to die in custody under questionable circumstances.

“The reported death of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State is barbaric, unacceptable and completely indefensible. Every Nigerian, including a suspect, has a right to life and fair hearing as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution,” the statement read.

The Klub also condemned the rising cases of extra-judicial killings and custodial deaths involving security agencies across the country, warning that such incidents erode public trust and undermine the credibility of law enforcement institutions.

The CMK called on the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission and the leadership of the NSCDC to ensure a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the incident.

It demanded that the investigation must be made public and that officers found culpable, no matter how highly placed, must be made to face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

“We call for an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into this heinous incident. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done. The era of sweeping custodial deaths under the carpet must end,” Dr. Ukabuiro said.

The Klub commiserated with the families of the deceased and urged security agencies to uphold professionalism, respect for human dignity and due process in the discharge of their duties.