The Niger State Youth, Peace and Security Coalition (NGS-YPS Coalition) has condemned the reported death of 37 young miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The coalition, comprising more than 30 youth-led, women-led and community-based organisations across the state’s 25 local government areas, described the incident as tragic and called for a transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

In a statement issued on Friday, the coalition’s Co-Chair and Executive Director of Peace Bridges & Community Linkages Initiative (PEBCLIN), Abdullahi Shuaibu, and its Secretary, Hajara Achibi, said the victims were predominantly teenagers and young men who were engaged in artisanal mining as a means of livelihood.

The coalition maintained that no detainee, regardless of the offence or allegation against them, should lose their life while in custody.

It said the incident raised concerns about the protection of young people under the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) framework, anchored on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognises the need to protect young people’s rights, dignity, safety and lives.

The group also urged authorities to investigate preliminary reports alleging overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility, stressing that the condition of the facility and the circumstances of the deaths must be independently established.

The coalition called for independent autopsies and other forensic examinations to determine the precise cause of death of each victim.

It urged the authorities to ensure that the findings of the examinations and other relevant investigations are made public to promote transparency and public confidence.

The group also demanded psychosocial support and appropriate compensation for the bereaved families, particularly households that may have lost their primary breadwinners.

The coalition commended Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his response to the incident, including the declaration of a three-day mourning period.

It also acknowledged the reported cancellation of the APC campaign flag-off, the governor’s visits to affected families and the establishment of a Committee of Inquiry.

The coalition similarly welcomed directives by the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC Commandant General for investigations into the incident.

However, it stressed that the various investigations must be conducted independently, transparently and without interference, with their findings made available to the public.

The coalition called for an immediate review of detention facilities across Niger State, including measures to address overcrowding, improve ventilation, provide appropriate medical screening for detainees and strengthen human-rights training for personnel involved in mining enforcement.

It further urged authorities to ensure that detainees have access to basic healthcare and that vulnerable persons are identified and treated appropriately while in custody.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the coalition called for a broader review of the state’s approach to artisanal mining, particularly among young people who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.

It urged the Niger State Government to consider integrating artisanal miners into its youth development programmes through legal mining cooperatives, safety training, skills acquisition and alternative livelihood opportunities.

According to the coalition, enforcement measures should be accompanied by viable economic alternatives for young people whose livelihoods depend on artisanal mining.

“Youth are not a threat to be contained; they are a population to be protected. When youth die in the custody of those meant to protect them, the social contract for peace is broken,” the coalition said.

The group said it was prepared to collaborate with the state Ministry of Youth Development, Ministry of Mineral Resources, the NSCDC and the Governor’s Committee of Inquiry to promote the protection, participation and prevention principles of the YPS agenda in the state’s mining sector.

It also appealed to affected families and young people to remain calm and peaceful, urging them to pursue justice through lawful channels and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.

The coalition expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the Minna community and the people of Niger State, while calling for concrete measures to prevent a recurrence