37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die In Custody In Nigeria
Nigerian officials said 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody in Niger State after being arrested on September 15–16, with authorities citing a suspected disease outbreak.
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Minna: Nigerian officials said that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The suspects were apprehended during operations targeting illegal mining activities on September 15 and 16. According to the NSCDC, the inmates died in the early hours of September 17 as a result of a probable disease epidemic.
However, an intelligence analysis quoted by AFP suggested that the deaths could have been caused by overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the prison centre. Medical evaluation is still required to determine the exact cause.
Police have initiated an investigation, and the NSCDC set up an investigating team to look into the circumstances of jail time and medical care provided to suspects.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has announced three days of mourning and demanded an investigation into the fatalities. The bodies have been transported to a hospital in Minnesota for assessment.
