Minna, Niger State — Parents of artisanal miners who d!ed in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna have demanded compensation for the bereaved families, saying it would provide justice and serve as a deterrent against abuse of power by law enforcement personnel.
The demand follows the d3aths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were found d3ad in an NSCDC detention facility in the early hours of September 17, 2026. The victims had been arrested during operations targeting mining sites in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16.
“These children helped me sustain my medication. They contributed money to buy drugs for me,” he said, struggling to control his tears. “I leave whoever is responsible for the d3ath of my children to Allah. I believe they were k!lled.”
Another parent, Lawal Mohammad, said he lost his 15-year-old son, Suleiman. He recounted being present at the NSCDC office when the bodies were brought out and loaded into ambulances.
“I am in pain, and I cannot forgive this. Those responsible should be made to pay compensation so as to serve as a lesson to others who abuse power,” Mohammad stated. He noted that his son had taken up artisanal mining to earn a living and contribute to the family’s upkeep, and called for a thorough investigation to hold anyone found responsible accountable.
The parents emphasised that compensation would help the affected families cope with their loss while promoting accountability among security agencies.
The deaths sparked protests in Minna and prompted authorities to impose a curfew. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the incident as tragic and ordered investigations, including medical and forensic examinations. The Federal Government suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full probe, with President Bola Tinubu directing a transparent investigation into the circumstances.
The cause of the deaths remains under investigation. The NSCDC initially pointed to a suspected disease outbreak, while intelligence reports and survivor accounts have suggested overcrowding and poor ventilation as possible factors.
One of the parents, 50-year-old Musa Aliyu, who has been battling illness for the past year, said he lost two of his children — Ibrahim, 17, and Abubakar, 12 — in the incident. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, Aliyu described his late sons as his major source of support, particularly in purchasing his medications.
As of Saturday, no official response from the NSCDC or state government specifically addressing the compensation demand had been issued. Investigations by state and federal authorities continue.
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