37 suspected illegal miners died in Nigerian custody amid concerns over overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, according to officials. The deaths occurred in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state, where a committee of inquiry has been established.
The incident occurred in Minna, Niger state, where detainees were found dead in a poorly ventilated cell. Survivors reported that 65 detainees were packed into a cell with no ventilation, leading to a sudden inability to breathe. The NSCDC and police have launched an investigation into the deaths, which may have been caused by disease or overcrowding.
The deaths have prompted a three-day mourning period and the postponement of election campaigning in January. Officials have also called for a review of detention conditions in the region, as illegal mining continues to fuel violence and crime. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in Niger state's mineral-rich regions.
The cause of death remains under investigation, with officials citing both disease and overcrowding as possible factors. Survivors and families have raised concerns about the conditions in custody, prompting calls for improved oversight and accountability in the handling of detainees.