Miners death probe: Commend President Tinubu for empowering Interior Minister

The death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State has thrown the nation into grief. Outrage has rightly been expressed by Nigerians who called for an urgent probe of the unfortunate incident.

Recall 37 out of 65 detained suspects died under disputed circumstances in an NSCDC facility in Minna following their arrests on September 15 and 16, 2026.Survivors alleged suffocation from overcrowding and a chemical substance sprayed in the cell.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo immediately visited Minna, Niger State, following the tragic incident and met with Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna to inspect and address the situation, vowing that the deaths would “not be swept under the carpet”.