In a tragic turn of events, 37 individuals accused of illegal mining activities in Nigeria’s north-central region have died while in custody. The situation has prompted authorities to initiate an investigation, as the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attributes the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, conflicting reports suggest that the fatalities were due to overcrowding and inadequate ventilation in the detention facility located in Niger state.
Investigation and Public Response
The deaths have led to significant unrest, with attacks on public infrastructure and the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital. The unrest was sparked by the arrest of a group of young men near Borgu, an area noted for small-scale gold mining. Two days after their arrest, the detainees were found deceased in the custody of the NSCDC, which is tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure and combating illegal mining, among other duties.
Babawale Afolabi, speaking on behalf of the NSCDC, stated that over 50 individuals had been detained, but none had been formally charged as the process of profiling and documentation was ongoing at the time of their deaths. Families of the detainees reported being turned away when seeking information or release of their relatives, only to be informed later of the fatalities.
Accounts from Families and Officials
Abdullahi Dalhatu, a parent of one survivor, shared that his son had narrowly escaped death due to his proximity to a small window, which provided some ventilation. According to Dalhatu, his son witnessed many detainees fainting from the stifling heat and overcrowded conditions, with calls for help going unanswered.
In response to the deaths, local media reported that miners and relatives resorted to violence, attacking public buildings with stones and sticks until police intervened using tear gas. The state’s police chief has ordered a thorough investigation into the deaths, and the bodies of the victims have been sent to a hospital in Minna for examination.
Official Reactions and Ongoing Concerns
The NSCDC initially suggested a diphtheria outbreak might be responsible for the deaths, though this claim was later retracted pending further investigation. Relatives of the deceased have expressed skepticism, questioning how a disease could selectively affect detainees without impacting their guards.
Nigeria’s legal framework mandates that suspects be brought before a court within a reasonable timeframe, yet it remains unclear whether any of the detained individuals were formally charged. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing three days of mourning and postponing the commencement of election campaigns.
Experts and officials have highlighted the role of illegal mining in exacerbating violence by criminal gangs in the region. The illicit gold extracted from these mines is reportedly funneled into international markets, as detailed in a 2024 report by SwissAid.
