37 Illegal Mining Suspects Die In Nigeria

About 37 people suspected of illegal mining have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, said Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

The victims died on Thursday morning in Minna, the state capital, after security agencies arrested scores of suspected illegal miners in the state earlier in the week. Bago described the deaths as tragic and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He also declared three days of mourning in the state and postponed the planned start of his election campaign.

The NSCDC attributed the deaths to a suspected outbreak of disease among the detainees. However, an intelligence report seen by AFP suggested that overcrowding and poor ventilation may have contributed to the deaths.

Police in Niger State have also opened an investigation. Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said an immediate inquiry had been ordered to establish what happened.

The deaths triggered protests in Minna, with demonstrators damaging cars and other property.

The NSCDC had detained scores of people suspected of illegal mining on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of an operation targeting mining activities in the state. A 40-second video reviewed by AFP showed the bodies of young men, some of whom appeared to be teenagers, while volunteers and women were seen identifying relatives. AFP could not independently verify the circumstances shown in the video.

Niger State has attracted artisanal miners because of its mineral deposits, including gold, tantalite, copper and lithium. Nigerian officials and experts have also linked illegal gold mining to the activities of armed groups in parts of the country.

The governor has established a committee of inquiry to investigate the deaths.

SOURCE: AFP