Following the tragic deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners in Niger State, a civil society advocate has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency regarding the nation's detention and correctional facilities. Blessing Akinlosotu, a public affairs analyst and Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), made this urgent appeal in a statement released on Wednesday.

The miners reportedly died from suffocation while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This incident has raised serious concerns about the conditions within detention facilities across the country. Akinlosotu's call for action comes in the wake of a report from a committee established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the miners' deaths. The committee, led by Jonathan Kure, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), highlighted that the conditions in the Minna detention center were deplorable, overcrowded, and unfit for human habitation.

Akinlosotu emphasized that the findings of the committee reveal a systemic issue within Nigeria's detention facilities, pointing to severe underfunding and mismanagement as contributing factors to the tragedy. He stated, "The tragedy in Minna is not just about recklessness and negligence; rather, it is more about systemic underfunding. The NSCDC and other national security agencies appear overwhelmed by their enormous responsibilities."

In light of these revelations, Akinlosotu urged the government to implement the committee's recommendations fully and ensure that those responsible for the miners' deaths face appropriate consequences. He believes that declaring a state of emergency on detention facilities and correctional centers is a necessary step to address the dire situation and prevent future tragedies.

The call for reform comes at a time when the conditions in many of Nigeria's detention facilities have come under scrutiny. Advocates have long pointed out the need for significant improvements to ensure the safety and dignity of individuals in custody. Akinlosotu's statement serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the country’s justice and correctional systems, emphasizing that the lives of detainees must be prioritized and protected.