Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar don call for independent and transparent investigation into the death of 37 suspected illegal miners wey reportedly die while dem dey custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for Niger State.

According to reports from other media outfit , the victims were arrested during operations around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16 before their deaths were discovered in custody.

NSCDC initially talk say dem suspect say disease outbreak fit don cause the deaths, but the actual cause has not been established. Medical examinations and autopsies are expected to provide more answers.

Atiku say regardless of the allegations against the detainees, government custody should protect their lives and dignity. He called for the investigation to be thorough, independent and transparent, with the findings made public and anybody found responsible held accountable.

The Federal Government has already suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation into the incident.

The development has also sparked protests in Minna, while police have commenced their own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Sources: The ICIR, Punch, Premium Times, AP, Reuters.