37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died in Bago Niger State

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has cautioned against drawing premature conclusions over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). Bago said some of the deceased were found with blood or foam in their mouths, while some had burns on their bodies.

According to the governor, the findings could be consistent with several possibilities, including poisoning, suffocation or exposure to hazardous substances, but he stressed that the actual cause of death had not yet been established.

“We really don’t know what happened but investigation will unravel the truth,” Bago said.
The governor disclosed that samples had been taken from some of the victims before their burial and that forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted.

MINNA ERUPTS IN PROTEST

The deaths triggered protests in Minna, the Niger State capital, with youths reportedly barricading major roads.
Security operatives were alleged to have used tear gas to disperse protesters, while reports also emerged alleging the use of live ammunition.
Human rights organisation Global Rights has called for an investigation into the reported use of live ammunition, stressing that security agencies must maintain public order lawfully and proportionately.
Following the unrest, Governor Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew in parts of Minna, effective after Friday’s Jumat prayers.

MINING ACTIVITIES SUSPENDED

Bago also ordered the suspension of mining activities across Niger State and announced the closure of the mining site in the M.I. Wushishi area.
He said investigations would examine, among other possibilities, whether overcrowding in the detention facility or exposure to chemicals associated with mining contributed to the deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, described the incident as unfortunate and promised that the investigation would be transparent.

TINUBU ORDERS COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the deaths and said any official found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should face prosecution where the evidence warrants it.
The President directed investigators to examine the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, detention conditions, the number of people held at the facility, medical attention provided and the events leading to the deaths.
Tinubu also stressed that being suspected of illegal mining does not remove a person’s right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.

NSCDC COMMANDANT SUSPENDED

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo subsequently ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full-scale investigation.
The minister said the government’s priority remained the protection of lives and called on Nigerians to remain calm while investigations continue.

CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT AUTOPSIES

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for independent autopsies, disclosure of the victims’ identities and detention records, compensation for their families and prosecution of officials found responsible.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation, with the findings made public.
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) similarly demanded immediate autopsies and publication of the findings.
Meanwhile, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake said he had deployed a high-powered team to Niger State to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

THE CENTRAL QUESTION

At the moment, the scientific cause of the 37 deaths has not been conclusively established.
Authorities are investigating several possibilities, including suffocation, poisoning or exposure to hazardous chemicals. The reported burns and other physical findings have also raised questions that investigators and forensic examinations are expected to address.
The circumstances surrounding the arrests, the number of detainees, their treatment in custody and the events immediately preceding their deaths remain central to the investigation.
Until the autopsy and forensic findings are released, claims about the definitive cause of death remain unproven