Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an independent investigation into the death of 37 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

The rights group described the incident as shocking and said it must not go unanswered.

In a statement issued on Thursday night, the organisation urged Nigerian authorities to set up a prompt, thorough and transparent inquiry. It noted that the victims, including minors, were arrested on September 15 and 16 at mining sites along the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.

Amnesty said the authorities must establish how detention lasting only one or two days led to such a large loss of life. The group stressed that the circumstances of the arrests and the conditions under which the detainees were held should be made clear.

The organisation added that those found responsible for the tragedy must face full justice, not just internal or administrative sanctions. It also called for victims and their families to be given access to justice and effective remedies.

Amnesty International described the incident as both horrific and preventable. It insisted that the government must ensure accountability so that similar cases do not occur in the future.

Photo credit: Punch newspaper