Nigerian authorities have been urged to set up an independent investigation into the death of 37 youths, 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 the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.
In a statement on Thursday, the Amnesty International Nigeria said the loss of lives cannot go unanswered and demanded that government must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigate how detention for one to two days descended into a disaster that killed minors.
It said those found to be behind the tragedy must not merely receive internal or administrative sanctions but must face the full scale of justice.
The rights group also called for transparent establishment of the circumstances of the arrests and the condition in which the victims were detained, adding that 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,” the statement added.
