The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has demanded a transparent investigation into the death of 37 miners who were held in custody by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the APM’s National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Abubakar, the miners were allegedly illegal and had died after a suspected outbreak of disease in the cell. The party rejected that explanation, saying it “does not justify the mortalities” and instead points to “inhuman conditions” that led to the deaths.
Abubakar said the 66 men were crammed into a single cell, where 37 died of “excessive heat” and after being “sprayed with a yet to be identified substance.” He also condemned the use of ammunition and tear gas by security agencies against unarmed protesters who were demonstrating over the incident.
“It is unimaginable that sixty‑six persons were cramped into a cell where 37 of them died of excessive heat and after being reportedly sprayed with a yet to be identified substance,” the statement read. “The death of citizens in detention facilities cannot be justified under any guise.” The APM called for an “expeditious, open, transparent and unrestricted probe” into the circumstances of the deaths and the alleged use of force against demonstrators.
While the APM expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, it urged Nigerians to remain calm as the investigation proceeds. The party’s remarks highlight concerns that the incident reflects a broader pattern of human‑rights abuses under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)‑led federal government.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
