By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The CREAP Africa Initiative has demanded an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, warning that the tragedy must not be allowed to end with the suspension of officials.

The organisation said the deaths of the detainees, who were reportedly arrested over alleged illegal mining activities, raised serious questions about their treatment, detention conditions and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

CREAP also called for a separate investigation into the violence that erupted after the deaths, including allegations of excessive use of force by security personnel during protests.

In a statement issued on Saturday, CREAP Executive Director, Sylvanus Udoenoh, said conflicting accounts about the deaths made an independent probe imperative.

While an initial account reportedly pointed to a possible disease outbreak, survivors were said to have alleged severe overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility.

CREAP urged authorities to establish the actual cause and manner of each death and determine whether medical screening, detention procedures and minimum custodial standards were followed.

It also demanded an investigation into allegations of extortion, mistreatment and denial of basic necessities reportedly made by relatives and survivors.

According to the organisation, investigators must establish the number of detainees held at the facility, identify those responsible for decisions concerning the detention centre and determine whether authorities had received previous warnings or complaints about its conditions.

“Where evidence establishes criminal responsibility or serious misconduct, those responsible, regardless of rank or position, must face prosecution in accordance with the law,” CREAP said.

The organisation cautioned that the suspension of officials should not be treated as a substitute for accountability, stressing that criminal responsibility must be determined through due process.

CREAP also condemned the violence that followed the deaths, saying destruction of homes, businesses, vehicles and public property, as well as attacks on innocent residents, could not be justified as legitimate protest.

At the same time, it demanded scrutiny of reports that security personnel deployed tear gas and live rounds during the demonstrations.

“Any allegation of unlawful or excessive use of force must itself be investigated and, where established, appropriately sanctioned,” the organisation said.

CREAP called on residents of Niger State to reject further violence and urged community, religious and youth leaders to work with civil society groups and the media to prevent further escalation.

It also urged the Niger State Government to ensure that any restrictions imposed in response to the unrest remained lawful, necessary, proportionate and time-bound.

The group further demanded the publication of investigation findings, preservation of medical, documentary and digital evidence, support for the families of the deceased and a broader review of custodial practices within the NSCDC and other law-enforcement institutions.

Udoenoh said the circumstances surrounding the deaths demanded both truth and accountability.

“Thirty-seven lives have been lost in circumstances that have left families grieving and a nation demanding answers. We must resist the temptation to prejudge the investigation, but neither should we allow the matter to disappear into another administrative file,” he said.

“Nigerians deserve the truth, the families deserve justice, and anyone found responsible must be held accountable.”

While acknowledging the need for authorities to tackle illegal mining, CREAP said enforcement must remain within the law and be accompanied by community engagement, environmental protection and livelihood opportunities.

The organisation said the Niger State tragedy should become a catalyst for stronger custodial safeguards, accountable law enforcement and greater respect for human rights.

“ No allegation of wrongdoing justifies unlawful treatment. No grievance justifies violence. No position of authority places anyone above the law,” CREAP said.