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Amnesty International Nigeria has said that the death of 37 detainees in the custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State must not go unanswered.
The human rights group described the incident as shocking while calling on the authorities to immediately set up an independent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding it.
Amnesty’s stance was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday night.
The statement reads, “The Nigerian authorities must immediately set up an independent investigation of today’s death of 37 youth — including minors — in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna Niger state.
“The victims were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026 at mining sites located at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. This loss of lives cannot go unanswered.
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“Government must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively, investigate how detention for one to two days descended into a disaster that killed minors.”
Amnesty said those who are found to be behind the tragedy must not merely receive internal or administrative sanctions but must face the full scale of justice.
It added, “The circumstances of the arrests of the victims and the condition in which they were detained must be established transparently.
“Victims and their families must be provided with access to justice and effective remedies.
“The authorities must ensure justice for the victims of this horrific yet preventable incident which cost so many people, many believed to be children, their lives.”
