The Niger State Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dr Mohammed Kpautagi, has announced plans to organise a seven-day Fidau prayer for the 37 suspected artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna.

The prayer session is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Tunga Central Mosque in Minna, immediately after the Zuhr prayers.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the ADC governorship candidate.

Dr Kpautagi said the prayer was intended to honour the deceased and offer support to their bereaved families following the tragedy.

He expressed sadness over the loss of the young people, many of whom, according to him, were struggling to make a living and support their families.

The ADC candidate said the tragedy should be viewed beyond political, religious or ethnic considerations, stressing that public figures and members of the community have a responsibility to stand with families during periods of grief.

According to him, the ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths make it important for the community to come together in prayers while awaiting the outcome of the official inquiry.

Dr Kpautagi said the Fidau would provide an opportunity for Islamic scholars, community leaders, ADC representatives, relatives of the deceased and members of the public to pray for the departed.

He called for continued support for the affected families and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and admit them into Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also prayed for strength, patience and comfort for the families and appealed for unity and peace across Niger State and Nigeria.

It could be recalled that the Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the arrests, detention and deaths of the 37 persons, while several NSCDC personnel have been suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The deaths occurred after the miners were arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna on September 15 and 16.

Meanwhile authorities are yet to establish the definitive cause of the deaths, with investigations ongoing.