SHINKAFA NUPE SOLIDARITY GROUP CONDEMNS DEATH OF 37 ARTISANAL MINERS IN NSCDC CUSTODY, DEMANDS IMMEDIATE JUSTICE, AND SYSTEMIC REFORM

The Shinkafa Nupe Solidarity Group, has expressed profound grief, shock, and outrage over the tragic death of 37 young artisanal miners while held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.

The group which is dedicated to promoting good governance, institutional accountability, human dignity, and purposeful leadership across Niger State extended heartfelt condolences to the families, people of Minna, and the entire youth of Niger State.

On behalf of the group Comrade Abubakar Ndawacin in a statement said the loss of these 37 young lives, many of whom were teenagers seeking honest livelihood is an unacceptable tragedy and a severe stain on public trust in our law enforcement institutions.

It added that while it acknowledge the federal and state governments’ initial steps, including the suspension of the NSCDC Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and the ordering of investigative probes, the group maintains that preliminary declarations cannot replace thorough accountability and as champions of equity, good governance, and responsible leadership under the auspices of Shinkafa Nupe, demand the following concrete actions:
An Independent Judicial Panel of Inquiry: To ensure absolute impartiality, an independent panel comprising civil society organizations, medical experts, human rights representatives, and judicial officers.

To oversee the investigation into the facility’s conditions, detention protocols, and the exact cause of death.

Also full Criminal Prosecution, involving every officer and operative involved in the arrest, transport, detention, and supervision of the citizens and anyone found guilty of negligence, inhumane treatment, or abuse of power must face prosecution to the full extent of the law

Immediate Custodial & Law Enforcement Reform in the State security agencies to immediately overhaul holding facilities to prevent congestion, torture, and inhumane conditions.
Modern enforcement must prioritize human rights and lawful due process, Structured Framework for Artisanal Miners to stop relying solely on heavy-handed security crackdowns that endanger vulnerable youth, the government must establish formal, safe, and regulated frameworks that empower artisanal miners through legal cooperatives, safety training, and economic inclusion.

Furthermore a Comprehensive Compensation for Affected Families by the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Interior to provide immediate relief, and psycho-social support to the families of the deceased victims.

The Shinkafa Nupe Solidarity Group remains committed to advocating for leadership that upholds justice, protects human life, and fosters sustainable development across Niger State.

It then call on the youth and residents of Niger State to remain calm and peaceful as collectively press for justice through lawful, democratic, and unwavering channels.