37 suspects in illegal mining die in custody in Nigeria — France 24
In the city of Minna, Niger State, in central Nigeria, 37 people suspected of illegal mining died in custody. According to France 24, they were being held by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said he learned of the deaths in the morning. He called the incident tragic, announced the creation of an investigative committee that has already begun work, and declared three days of mourning. The start of the election campaign ahead of elections scheduled for January was postponed.
Investigation into the causes of the deaths
Niger State police have launched an investigation into the deaths at an NSCDC detention facility. Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said that the state police chief had ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
The NSCDC said it detained dozens of suspects in illegal mining on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to the corps, several detainees were found dead on the morning of September 17 following a suspected disease outbreak.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
At the same time, an intelligence report seen by AFP states that preliminary information points to another possible cause of the deaths: overcrowding in the detention facility and inadequate ventilation.
Reports of protests
According to the intelligence report, the mass deaths could trigger protests in Minna involving groups of miners and their supporters. The report also said that vehicles and other property were damaged.
Niger State is rich in minerals and attracts thousands of prospectors, most of whom are looking for gold. Officials and experts also link the struggle for gold extracted at illegal mines to violence by criminal groups known in the country as bandits.
