Dozens of Suspected Illegal Miners Die in Custody in Nigeria's Niger State
At least 37 individuals, detained on suspicion of illegal mining, have died in custody in Nigeria's Niger State, prompting an official inquiry.
Highlights
- At least 37 individuals suspected of illegal mining died while in detention in Nigeria's north-central Niger State.
- The state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, described the event as "sad" and "tragic," initiating a three-day mourning period and an investigation.
- While authorities initially suggested disease as the cause, preliminary intelligence indicates overcrowding and insufficient ventilation in the holding facility.
- A survivor reported that 65 detainees were confined to a cell with poor airflow, making breathing difficult.
- Police have launched an inquiry and are appealing to victims' families for information.
Details
The deaths occurred on Thursday among individuals apprehended by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) earlier in the week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, on suspicion of engaging in illicit mining activities. The head of the NSCDC in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, stated that although the agency believed the detainees succumbed to illness, their remains were transported to a local medical facility for forensic examination to ascertain the precise cause of death. The specific ailment was not disclosed.
However, intelligence reports suggest that initial findings point towards fatalities resulting from severe overcrowding and inadequate air circulation within the detention area. A 40-second video circulated online depicted numerous deceased young men, many appearing to be teenagers, with volunteers assisting in the identification process by veiled women. One person who survived the ordeal, Dauda Shehu, informed the Associated Press that 65 people were held in a confined space with limited ventilation, leading to breathing difficulties. He recounted how detainees attempted to alert guards by striking the cell door when they struggled to breathe.
Why it matters
This incident brings renewed attention to the conditions of detention and human rights concerns within Nigeria. It also underscores the significant issues surrounding illegal mining in Niger State, a region abundant in minerals, particularly gold. The pursuit of these resources has fueled the rise of criminal organizations, locally known as bandits, who exploit miners and demand a share of extracted ore. The tragedy highlights the severe security and governance challenges prevalent in the area.