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37 Miners Die in Custody in Niger State. Forces Fire at Protesters as Curfew Imposed
Photo: Al Jazeera / Reuters
Thirty-seven miners died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, officials announced on Thursday, 17 September. The miners had been arrested that week in raids in the Wushishi-Lukoto area, west of Minna, on suspicion of illegal mining.
On Friday, hundreds protested in Minna on a second day of unrest, and some protesters attacked government facilities. Security forces fired and used tear gas. It was unclear whether they used live ammunition or anti-riot pellets, but a witness told Reuters bullets were used. Governor Umar Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew.
The NSCDC first suggested a disease outbreak, then said the cause of death was unconfirmed. All the deceased were buried on Thursday evening, raising questions over whether post-mortems are still possible. An AFP-reviewed intelligence report suggested poor ventilation and overcrowding may have caused the deaths, and survivor Dauda Shehu said: "We were jam-packed in the cell, no ventilation for us to breathe well."
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended the NSCDC's Niger State commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending investigation, and the ministry promised "a full investigation."
Sources: Al Jazeera
